7-12-2018
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Records from the Employment Security Department show they were unable to verify complaints last summer that Sarbanand Farms in Sumas was feeding workers meager or poor meals.
The Capital Press reports the records, released on a public records request, show that after hearing second-hand complaints, an outreach specialist spoke to many seasonal farmworkers in late July and they all said the meals were adequate.
This was before one seasonal farmworker there was taken to the hospital where he died of natural causes unrelated to his work, which led some fellow workers to strike.
The State Department of Labor & Industries cleared Sarbanand Farms of any wrongdoing in the farmworker’s death.
L&I also found no evidence workers were exposed to pesticides and was later found to have levied a larger than normal fine against the farm for missed breaks due to “publicity” surrounding the worker’s death.