farmworkers Archives | Northwest Public Broadcasting

Washington Agriculture Industry Wants Farmworkers Prioritized For COVID-19 Vaccine

By NWPB News January 15, 2021

Farmworkers in Yakima’s fruit-packing industry walked off production lines in May and went on strike, demanding more protections against the coronavirus pandemic. Above, Emmanuel Anguiano-Mendoza (left) and Agustin López hold posters featuring David Cruz, a worker who died on May 30. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

The agriculture industry is asking Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee to move migrant farmworkers and food factory workers closer to the front of the line for the coronavirus vaccine because they perform work that cannot be delayed or performed remotely. Read More

Central Washington Farms Fined For Violating COVID-19 Protections For Workers

By NWPB News November 13, 2020

Three Mid-Columbia farms are among those receiving the biggest fines in the state from the Washington state Department of Labor and Industries for serious violations of agriculture regulations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. More than 20 farms have been cited for inadequate COVID precautions, The Tri-City Herald reported. Read More

Washington Supreme Court Rules Farmworkers Are Eligible For Overtime Pay

By NWPB News November 6, 2020

Sarbanand Farms farmworkers demonstrate after coworker's death in August 2017.

A divided Washington Supreme Court ruled Thursday the state’s dairy workers are entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours a week, a decision expected to apply to the rest of the agriculture industry. Continue Reading Read More

Fire-Evacuated Farmworkers From Bridgeport Slept In A Brewster Park As The Pearl Hill Fire Burned

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa September 18, 2020

File photo. Brewster, in Okanogan County, shown here in 2013, is one of the primary areas of north-central Washington's tree-fruit industry -- for growing, packing and shipping. CREDIT: Jessica Robinson/N3

According to community members in Bridgeport and Brewster, and farmworkers who spoke on the condition of anonymity, orchard supervisors told workers they needed to evacuate with little to no warning. Workers said they were told to grab their documents and quickly board company buses. Then, they were taken to a city park in Brewster, across the Columbia River. Read More

Washington Plans To Distribute Hundreds Of Thousands Of Masks To Farmworkers As Smoke Persists

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa September 15, 2020

Workers in dust masks wash fresh red bell peppers in smoky conditions outside of Eltopia, Wash. Even with the masks, the smoke is still causing tight chests, itchy eyes and dry throats. CREDIT: ANNA KING/N3

Farmworkers continue to pick Washington apples in the height of the state's harvest – even as the sustained smoke makes it hazardous to be outside, especially while doing strenuous work or exercise. Continue Read More

CDC Study Finds Latinx Employees Hit Disproportionately Hard By Workplace Outbreaks

By NPR News August 17, 2020

A COVID-19 test is collected in Salt Lake City, Utah. A federal study published Monday found that Hispanic and non-white workers make up a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases associated with workplace outbreaks in Utah. CREDIT: Rick Bowmer/AP

A study out Monday found that Hispanic and nonwhite workers made up 73% of cases associated with workplace outbreaks in certain industries, despite representing 24% of the workforce in those sectors. Continue Reading CDC Read More

Governor Visits Brewster As Farmworker COVID Cases Spike In Okanogan County

By Courtney Flatt August 13, 2020

Many of the county’s cases have spread in the small town of Brewster, where there is a large tree-fruit growing, packing and shipping industry. According to public health officials, there have been 885 positive cases in Okanogan County –– 518 in Brewster. Read More

Washington State To Create $40M Fund For Undocumented Workers Hurt By Pandemic

By NWPB News August 11, 2020

Undocumented workers who lost income because of the coronavirus pandemic, but were passed over for federal assistance, will finally be getting some help in Washington state, thanks to a new $40 million relief fund. Continue Reading Read More

Farmworker Safety Takes Center Stage In Race For Central Washington State House Seat

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa August 8, 2020

Eduardo Castañeda-Díaz, the Democratic challenger in the race for Washington state House in the 13th Legislative District, leads a march down Mattawa’s main street July 29, 2020. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

In the Columbia Basin, the Democratic challenger for Washington state’s 13th Legislative District house seat has focused his message on farmworker safety and called for the boycott of fruit. It’s quite a move for a candidate in a district where the economy is dominated by agriculture. Read More

Washington Farmworkers Ask State Supreme Court For Overtime Pay

By NWPB News August 2, 2020

Coronavirus cases in farm country have focused new attention on essential workers there, as well as the food supply chain. One issue is overtime. In most states, farm owners don't have to pay overtime to their employees. Now, a case before the Washington State Supreme Court could change that. Read More

Bunk Beds And Working Conditions For Washington H-2A Farmworkers Prompt Lawsuits

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa July 20, 2020

Stemilt Growers, based in Wenatchee, Wash., adopted a ladybug in its logos as part of a "Responsible Choice" campaign in 1989. Courtesy Stemilt Growers

In a lawsuit against fruit-growing giant Stemilt, workers say allegations stemmed from a change in production standards set forth in the company's guest worker contract. A separate case involved a challenge to Washington's rules on farmworker housing and sleeping quarters during the pandemic. Read More

During Pandemic, Yakima Farmworkers Kept Their Jobs, Raising Risk Of Infection

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa June 13, 2020

Yakima County has the most COVID-19 cases per capita among West Coast states. The largely Latinx agricultural workforce helped secure the backbone of the local economy. Continue Reading During Pandemic, Yakima Farmworkers Kept Their Read More

‘Are Their Apples Worth More Than Our Lives?’ Yakima Valley Fruit Workers Strike For Protections, Pay

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa May 21, 2020

Perla Torres, a fruit packer at Jack Frost Fruit, poses for a photograph wearing a mask she says she bought from a supervisor. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

So far this month, more than 400 Yakima Valley fruit packing workers have gone on strike, according to Familias Unidas Por La Justicia. The farmworker advocacy group, based in Skagit County, is helping these workers organize committees, negotiate with employers and seek legal advice. Read More

Immigrant Farmworkers Face Unique Challenges As Coronavirus Continues To Spread

By Monica Samayoa April 12, 2020

Migrant farmer Martin Zavala-Martinez prunes a pear tree at Avalon Orchards in Parkdale, Ore., Thursday, April 2, 2020. People needing H-2A work visas are facing delays at the U.S.-Mexico border due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

One of the most vulnerable groups currently working through the coronavirus pandemic is made up of immigrant farmworkers. As this population works through some of the unique challenges they face due to the coronavirus, one Tri-Cities radio station is trying to help. Read More

White House Seeks To Lower Foreign Guest Farmworker Pay To Help U.S. Farm Owners

By NPR News April 10, 2020

Farmworkers work at a winery in Clarksburg, Calif., on March 24. Farms continue to operate as essential businesses even as the coronavirus has hurt the agriculture industry. CREDIT: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is working with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to see how wage rates for immigrant farmworkers can be reduced. Critics say it will hurt all workers. Continue Reading White House Seeks Read More

Stumbling Toward Spring: Northwest Growers Scramble To Start During Coronavirus Crisis

By Anna King April 3, 2020

Freshly planted furrows span out across the Columbia Basin as farmers get ready for the coming season as worries of COVID-19 spread in central and eastern Washington.

Spring work starts up, ready or not. And Northwest growers are scrambling to figure out how to work around the global coronavirus pandemic and still bring in the coming harvest. Continue Reading Stumbling Toward Spring: Read More

‘Essential’ Status Means Jobs For Farmworkers, But Greater Virus Risk

By NPR News March 28, 2020

Farmworkers pick organic strawberries at Stehly Farms Organics in Valley Center, Calif., on March 25. CREDIT: Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty Images

Farmworkers are still working during the coronavirus epidemic. They're essential. But they're also at greater risk of infection. Continue Reading ‘Essential’ Status Means Jobs For Farmworkers, But Greater Virus RiskRead More

President Signs USMCA, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Talk Working Conditions With Mexican Senators

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa January 29, 2020

From left, Mexican Sen. Israel Zamora, United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero and Sen. Bertha Alicia Caraveo hold a press conference Monday, Jan. 27, after meeting with dairy workers. They shared stories of poor working conditions on farms, including cases of wage theft, long work hours and sexual harassment. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

A delegation of Mexican government officials visited the Yakima Valley Monday to meet with dairy workers, most of whom are Mexican nationals. The group was looking to expand the role of the Mexican government in protecting the rights of workers. Read More

Cámara de Representantes Vota A Favor De Dar Estatus Legal A Campesinos Indocumentados

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa December 13, 2019

El miércoles 11 de diciembre, la Cámara de Representantes aprobó un proyecto de ley bipartidista que podría darle un camino hacia la residencia legal a miles de trabajadores agrícolas indocumentados. Continue Reading Read More

U.S. House Passes Bipartisan Bill For Relief To Undocumented Farmworkers, Farmers Short On Labor

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa December 13, 2019

The possible impeachment of President Donald Trump is not the only thing moving through the U.S. House of Representatives. On Wednesday, the House passed a bipartisan bill that could give undocumented farmworkers a path to legal residence and relief to farmers short on labor. Read More

Washington Ag Workers Are Exempt From Overtime. A State Supreme Court Case Could Change That

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa October 25, 2019

Maria Cuevas, a farmworker and community activist in Yakima, has marched in every Yakima May Day gathering since 1986, including with Cesar Chavez. CREDIT: ESMY JIMENEZ/NWPB

A class-action lawsuit argued in the Washington State Supreme Court Thursday is challenging the exemption of agricultural workers from earning overtime pay, alleging that it results in racial discrimination against the largely Latino workforce. Read More

They Came To Central Washington To Work, Then They Got The Mumps

By NWPB News May 8, 2019

Carlos Perez Carillo walks amid a fruit orchard outside of Mattawa in central Washington. He’s not far from where the workers who’ve been exposed to mumps are being quarantined at King Fuji Ranch. He says he’s been warned to stay away. CREDIT: ANNA KING/N3

H2A workers tend to be pretty isolated already. Housing is often tucked away in the orchards, away from towns, and getting sick can complicate things. Farmworker advocates criticize the H2A program can leave workers vulnerable. The exposed workers in Mattawa, near Vantage, Wash., are now stuck on the farm until the disease passes. It’s a long period of isolation, which Read More

As Wildfires Burn, Smoke Chokes Out Northwest Farmworkers And Delays Some Crops

By Anna King August 29, 2018

Smoke from wildfires is blanketing much of the West. That's ruining some crops and may be stunting others. And it's making it difficult or unsafe for laborers to pick the harvest. Continue Reading As Wildfires Burn, Smoke Chokes Read More

Smoke Makes Washington Farmworkers Cover Up, But No Regulations Require Provided Masks

By Esmy Jimenez August 17, 2018

Smoky skies in Central Washington this week have made it hard to see distant mountains, and harder for some farmworkers to breathe clean air. CREDIT: ESMY JIMENEZ/NWPB

You’ve probably seen and felt it this week: a blanket of grey haze over large parts of the region. Smoke from wildfires in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and California has led to poor air quality, causing health experts to caution: minimize your exposure. So how do people who work outdoors fare? Read More

Oregon Finalizes Farmworker Pesticide Protection Standards

By Jes Burns July 5, 2018

Advocates at a protest in Medford say new Oregon OSHA rules won't protect farmworkers. CREDIT: JES BURNS

Oregon has adopted new rules to protect farmworkers from pesticides. The new regulations establish zones around pesticide applications that workers cannot enter. It also allows workers the choice to take shelter in housing or other structures instead of moving away. Read More

In Central Washington, Housing Crunch Exacerbated By Need For Foreign Farm Labor

By Esmy Jimenez June 11, 2018

Black and white photo of a Yakima neighborhood with text saying no vacancy

The housing shortage in Yakima is coupled with a farm labor shortage. When workers do come, where do they live? The largest farmworker complex in the state opened in Yakima this month. The revamped FairBridge hotel now hosts 800 beds for temporary farm workers. As it opens, critics think it may set a dangerous precedent: Other farmers might start buying up area housing for Read More

Largest Farmworker Complex In State Opens In Yakima As Concerns Of Housing Shortages Echo

By Esmy Jimenez June 1, 2018

The FairBridge Hotel in Yakima, Wash., is the site of the largest farmworker housing complex in the state.

Yakima will soon be home to the largest farmworker housing complex in Washington. The revamped FairBridge hotel officially opened Friday, June 1, and the first guest workers will be housed there beginning June 11th. Read More

‘People Are Giving Up’: Low Attendance, But Hope For Future, At Yakima May Day March

By Esmy Jimenez May 1, 2018

May Day demonstrations happened around the Northwest May 1, including in Latino-concentrated Yakima. The peaceful gathering focused on immigration reform. But the turnout was low compared to previous years with only a couple hundred people there. Read More

For Farmworkers’ Kids, Country Air Means Dust, Pesticides And Asthma

By Eilís O'Neill April 26, 2018

Patricia Marin says her daughter Azul has been suffering from asthma since she was just a baby. CREDIT: COURTNEY FLATT

Most people think of asthma as a city kid problem — but it turns out rural kids are just as likely to have asthma. And the children of the people who grow our food are especially vulnerable. Researchers at the University of Washington and the Yakima Valley Farm Workers’ Clinic are working on a new approach to solving the problem. Read More

Washington L&I Fines Farm For Violations; Lawsuit Previously Filed After Worker’s Death

By Esmy Jimenez February 1, 2018

Barbaro Rosas and Guadalupe Tapia both picked blueberries for Sarbanand Farms in Sumas, Washington. Rosas and Tapia are now part of a lawsuit hoping to gain class-action status alleging workplace labor violations by the farms. Continue Read More