Understanding Farm Labor Contracts: Types, Terms, and Rights

Labor Contracts in Agriculture

Agreement and Reciprocation

A labor contract is an agreement by which a farm worker is obliged to provide their labor services to a business owner or entrepreneur, and the business owner or entrepreneur is obliged to reciprocate for these services.

Form and Duration

The contract must include the following information:

• Name and address of the worker and the business owner
• Company
• Worker's professional category
• Pay and allowances
• Duration and distribution of working hours
• Duration and form of remuneration

Types of Contracts

Indefinite Contracts

• Regular: The worker becomes a permanent employee of the company.
• Promotion of Indefinite Recruitment: Created for workers facing more difficulties in the labor market.

Fixed-Term Contracts

• Work and Service: For carrying out specific works and services within the ordinary activities of the company.
• Circumstances of Production: Engaged with the temporary increase in the company's workload.
• Interim: To replace another farm worker whose contract is suspended with job reservation.
• Insertion: Signed with unemployed workers registered in employment offices.
• Training: Partial training.
• Internship: Part-time or relief.

Other Contract Types

• Early retirement
• Work at home
• Domestic violence victims

Contract Modification and Suspension

Modification

• Functional Mobility: The farm worker may change their workplace permanently to perform functions within the same geographical area.
• Geographical Mobility: A farm worker can move to a different workplace that involves a change of residence.
• Substantial Modification: The company, due to financial reasons or production techniques, can modify any condition of the contract.

Suspension

This is the interruption of the workday. During this interruption, the employee does not receive wages or perform labor activity.

• Voluntary Leave: For personal reasons, workers can always interrupt their contracts if they have been with the company for at least one year.
• Unpaid Child Care: Workers have the right to a leave of absence of 3 years from the date of childbirth.
• Mandatory Leave: Occurs when appointing a worker for public office or association.