2-28-2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill endorsed by state Democrats on the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee would require dairy farmers and fruit growers to tell retailers if they use slave labor, which farmers are calling an “attack” and an insult.
Republican Senator Doug Ericksen says the bill, introduced by Seattle Democrat Rebecca Saldaña, is not based in fact and is meant to put a black eye on the industry.
“This is an organized and concerted attempt by certain radical elements to demonize modern agriculture in Washington . . . these people are trying to put our farmers out of work, and they are trying to use the government, and ridiculous claims like slavery to get it done,” he says.
Capital Press reports Saldaña’s bill originally included onion, wheat, potato and vegetable farmers and would allow residents to sue farmers even if they had not suffered injury or damage.
These provisions were cut or amended.
Saldaña insists there is no “mal-intent” behind the bill, but farmers and advocacy groups say it essentially accuses the industry of slavery, despite the heavy regulations and requirements they have with both domestic and foreign workers.