An Act To Amend the Labor Laws Relating to Certain Agricultural Employees

Sec. 1. 26 MRSA c. 16,  as amended, is repealed.

Sec. 2. Review; report. By January 15, 2017, the Department of Labor shall review the status of labor relations in this State between agricultural employees and agricultural employers that operate egg processing facilities that have over 500,000 laying birds and that employ more than 100 agricultural employees. The department shall assess the impact of changes to the laws contained in this Act and shall develop any recommendations necessary to promote agreements between agricultural employers and agricultural employees to limit industrial strife, promote stability in the farm labor force and improve the economic status of workers and businesses. The department shall submit its recommendations, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters. Upon receipt and review of the report, the joint standing committee may submit legislation to the First Regular Session of the 128th Legislature.