KGMI News
BELLINGHAM, Wash – More than 100 guest workers from Mexico said a Sumas-area farm fired them after the death of a co-worker.
Rosalinda Guillen with Community to Community Development helped organize a rally for the workers at the courthouse Monday.
She said they struggled in the hot, dry and smoky conditions at Sarbanand Farms until one of the men collapsed.
Guillen said Ernesto Silva Ibarra had been complaining for three days. He was rushed to Seattle and died Sunday at Harborview Medical Center.
The workers said they were fired when they complained about the conditions they believe led to the death.
They were recruited to pick blueberries under the federal H2A guest worker program.
Guillen said the farm asked the workers to come back, but the workers want their concerns addressed first.
They have no money and expired visas.
A farm spokesman said the farm is aware of the situation, but does not comment on labor matters.