Farm workers, organizations hope suit will bring NM ag laborers under workers’ comp coverage

NM ag laborers sue for workers’ comp coverage

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico dairy worker Joe Griego says the worst part of being attacked by a bull at work has been finding out his injuries aren’t covered by state workers’ compensation benefits.

So Griego and others are suing the state’s Workers’ Compensation Administration and demanding farm and ranch workers be included in coverage.

Thirty-three states already require workers’ compensation for farm workers. Some limit coverage or exempt small farms.

But New Mexico’s agricultural workers fall into a job category not protected under state law.

State officials say farm and ranch employers can voluntarily cover their laborers under workers’ compensation.