Farm workers’ wages

Yes. All farm workers who are paid hourly, by salary, or by any other method (other than piece rate, explained below), are entitled to the general minimum wage. As of June 1, 2024, the general minimum wage is $17.40 per hour.

The rules are a little different for farm workers who are paid by piece rate. Here, there are different minimum wage rates for each type of crop.

For more information, see our in-depth coverage.

No, farm workers are not entitled to overtime pay. The law doesn’t limit the hours that farm workers can work, but it does say an employer cannot let a worker work excessive hours or hours that could harm their health or safety.

For more, see our in-depth info on getting paid as a farm worker.

If a farm labour contractor takes you to a worksite and then there is no work, the contractor must pay you for the longer of:

• two hours, or

• the time it takes to go from the starting point to the worksite and back (or to another place that’s a similar distance and acceptable to you).

If work is not available because of bad weather or another cause beyond the control of the contractor, you aren’t entitled to be paid.

No. A farm labour contractor must not charge a worker for hiring or obtaining work for that person.

No. An employer can’t require a worker to pay any portion of the employer’s cost of doing business. As well, an employer can’t deduct or offset a worker’s earnings except for statutory deductions required by law, or with the written authorization of the worker.

For more, see our in-depth info on your rights around getting paid as a farm worker.