New L&I Webinars Provide Details on New Agricultural Overtime Law

To help agricultural employers and workers understand the changes in the new law regarding overtime for agricultural workers, the Washington Department of Labor & Industries has scheduled a series of webinars. With the passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5172, dairy workers will be eligible for overtime after working 40 hours in a workweek effective July 25, 2021.

Agricultural workers will become eligible for overtime starting Jan. 1, 2022, with a three-year phase-in. The law incrementally reduces the number of hours agricultural employees need to work in a workweek before they are entitled to overtime:

• Jan. 1, 2022: 55 hours
• Jan. 1, 2023: 48 hours
• Jan. 1, 2024: 40 hours

In addition, the law prohibits agricultural and dairy employees from seeking retroactive overtime payments for hours worked prior to the law taking effect. Each session will last about 45 minutes and include time for questions after the presentation. The sessions are scheduled for:

• July 14 at 10:30 a.m.
• Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m.
• Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m.

To register for a session, go to L&I’s calendar of workshops, events, and webinars, and look for “Understanding the Changes in Agricultural Overtime Laws” in the “Event Title” pull-down menu, then click on the “Sign Up” button.

Interpretation services for these webinar sessions can be provided at no cost to you when you request them ahead of time. Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request interpretation services. If you have questions, contact L&I’s Employment Standards program at 1-866-219-7321 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.