MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Tulip field workers have walked off the job just two weeks ahead of Skagit County’s annual Tulip Festival.
Edgar Franks with farm workers’ union Familias Unidas por la Justicia says the Washington Bulb Company workers asked them for help in getting some issues resolved.
Franks says one complaint is how they’re compensated under a poorly defined bonus structure.
“For every couple hundred or thousand, they’re going to give a bonus,” said Franks. “However, there’s no clear determination how the bonuses work. Or if they’re getting compensated fairly. So, they want more conversation and transparency around those issues.”
The workers are also demanding better protection from the weather and hazards on the job.
Franks says the company hasn’t been responsive yet, but the workers are hoping for a quick resolution.
“Hopefully, we can get everything resolved,” said Franks. “Hopefully it doesn’t affect the Tulip Festival because we know how important that is.”
Save Family Farming said in a press release that Familias Unidas and their leadership have a history of making false accusations against Washington farms that are costing farm workers their jobs.
The Bellingham Herald reports the owner of the Washington Bulb Company, Brent Roozen, says the Tulip Festival won’t be impacted and the accusations made by the workers are not accurate.
About 70 workers refused to work on Wednesday, March 23rd, and plan to walk the picket line again on Thursday, March 24th.
You can listen to the full interview with Franks on our Podcast page.