RMM is pleased to be spearheading Farmworker Albany Day in 2026, on May 19th — and we’d love for you to join us! We’ll hold a vigil at the Capitol and visit our state legislators.
Farmworkers are greatly hindered in going to Albany to voice their hopes and concerns, and the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act is under attack.
WE NEED YOUR PRESENCE TO ENSURE FARMWORKERS’ VOICES ARE HEARD!
Join Us on May 19 for Farmworker Albany Day!
This year’s Farmworker Albany Day will focus on securing and expanding fundamental human rights and protections for the tens of thousands of farmworkers driving New York’s agriculture sector, valued at nearly $10B, and rural families statewide. Despite key gains made through previous victories—most notably, the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act (FLFLPA) that closed loopholes in state labor law but has since come under attack—farmworking families continue to face the effects of widespread labor exploitation, the devastating consequences of the Administration’s immigration and economic policies, and substantially limited access to essential services, opportunities, and infrastructure. Today, we are calling on leaders in state government to embrace a comprehensive approach to addressing key barriers and injustices facing farmworking families, including rural children, throughout New York.
Specifically, we are asking legislators and Governor Hochul to:
1. Stand firm in the face of opposition to the FLFLPA that could jeopardize the rights previously secured to collectively bargain, overtime, and a day of rest for farmworkers.
2. Support the NYS TEMP Act (S.3412 Ramos/A.3527 Bronson) that would regulate farms and other worksites with temperature protection standards, education, and other requirements to ensure that employers provide safe conditions for their employees
3. End collusion between NY localities and federal immigration enforcement, prohibit contracts to house immigrants in detention facilities, and establish the right to universal counsel in immigration proceedings by supporting the New York for All, (S.2235 Gounardes/A.3506 Reyes) without loopholes, Dignity Not Detention (S.316 Salazar/A.4181 Reyes), and Access to Representation (S.141 Hoylman-Sigal/A.270 Cruz) bills.
4. Support the Family Court Guardianship Act (S.8854A/Ramos) that would enable family members to seek guardianship for childrenwhose parents are facing deportation.
5. Enhance economic and social prosperity for millions of farmworking families throughout rural New York by ensuring access to educational opportunities and social services for youth, and addressing infrastructural gaps in transportation and high-speed internet access.
We will be gathering at 9:30am at Westminster Presbyterian Church (85 Chestnut Street) in Albany, where a light breakfast will be served. We recommend aiming to arrive and park at one of the local parking garages by 8:45am in order to arrive at Westminster Presbyterian Church on time. Please note that the Church parking lot will not be available for general participant parking. There are two nearby parking garages, both available for a nominal fee:
• 124 Central Ave., Lot 4.
• 327 Washington Ave.
We will then be marching to the Capitol for a vigil, followed by legislative visits. Lunch will be provided.
Please register using the link below. Kindly include the names of your Senator and Assemblymember where requested.