Gail Dash
Rural Labor Services Representative
New York State Department of Labor
If you, a grower/processor, for a fee expect to use the services of a contractor (crew leader), to recruit, transport, supply, or hire any workers, and who will for a fee direct, supervise, or control any part of the work of farm or food processing workers, the crew leaders must be registered by the NYS Commissioner of Labor.
A crew leader must be registered for each grower/processor each year, April 1-March 31, and pay yearly fee of $100.00. Every third year an additional charge for new fingerprint- processing is charged (currently $99.00).
Grower/Processor Certificates
If you (grower/processor) will bring into New York State, or will be responsible for bringing into the State, 5 or more farm or food processing workers, "without utilizing the services of a Farm Labor Contractor (crew leader), you must obtain a Grower/Processor Certificate of Migrant Registration ($25.00 fee).
Violations of New York State farm labor laws could result in imposition of civil penalties. For more information or forms, call Gail Dash, Rural Representative at:
Erie County, NY (716) 825-3916
Chautauqua County (716) 366-0130
Western Region-call Wilfred Ruiz, Labor Standards, at (716) 847-7142
Federal laws and/or registrations may also apply. For forms and information call Joe O'Connor in Buffalo at (716) 551-4891.