'Offensive': Farmworkers Push Back on Opponents of Help for Workers
PRESS STATEMENT - January 30, 2024
“Farmworkers need changes to Washington state’s new farming overtime law right away to help them boost their paychecks, as has been proposed in the state legislature with Senate Bill 5476.
Watching today’s state Senate Labor & Commerce Committee hearing on the bill, it was deeply disappointing that despite the hardship the new overtime law has caused tens of thousands of farmworkers, some activist groups are instead opposing these changes needed to bring immediate relief for workers.
We’re troubled to see that even after nearly 300 workers rallied for change at the state Capitol just last week, the extreme activist groups today refused again to acknowledge the burden the new law has placed on farmworkers.
On top of sidestepping workers’ concerns, in their remarks the groups actually accused the hundreds of farmworkers who rallied at the Capitol of being misled and not understanding what’s best for their families.
The activists’ accusations are offensive, and their denial of real farmworkers’ hardships as a result of the new law is insulting.
We hope the lawmakers considering this important proposal to help farmworkers can see through the false accusations of these activist groups, who appear to be unwilling to admit their role in pushing for the very rules now devastating so many hardworking families across Washington state.”
“Farmworkers need changes to Washington state’s new farming overtime law right away to help them boost their paychecks, as has been proposed in the state legislature with Senate Bill 5476.
Watching today’s state Senate Labor & Commerce Committee hearing on the bill, it was deeply disappointing that despite the hardship the new overtime law has caused tens of thousands of farmworkers, some activist groups are instead opposing these changes needed to bring immediate relief for workers.
We’re troubled to see that even after nearly 300 workers rallied for change at the state Capitol just last week, the extreme activist groups today refused again to acknowledge the burden the new law has placed on farmworkers.
On top of sidestepping workers’ concerns, in their remarks the groups actually accused the hundreds of farmworkers who rallied at the Capitol of being misled and not understanding what’s best for their families.
The activists’ accusations are offensive, and their denial of real farmworkers’ hardships as a result of the new law is insulting.
We hope the lawmakers considering this important proposal to help farmworkers can see through the false accusations of these activist groups, who appear to be unwilling to admit their role in pushing for the very rules now devastating so many hardworking families across Washington state.”
Farmworkers tell their stories
Washington's 20,000 guest workers tell how these jobs help their families, provide a future, and offer hope.
Their lives are changed.
Their lives are changed.
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JANUARY 15, 2021
These Washington guest workers have a very important message for you: Help us save our life-changing jobs. Farm labor activists have been trying for years to stop these workers from helping harvest Washington crops. Sadly, without knowing the facts, too many state leaders listen to the advocates without taking the time to listen to workers. You can help change that. Tell your elected representatives to help these farm workers. Watch the videos as these workers explain in more detail how these jobs help them, their families and their futures. |
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Yakima Herald on need for guest worker program changesAug 6, 2018
AgInfo.net on our appeal to Secretary of LaborMar 16, 2018
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