Washington Farm Labor Contractor Fined $140K for Withholding Info From Workers

A Pasco farm labor contractor faces nearly $140,000 in fines for violations uncovered during a Washington State Department of Labor & Industries investigation that include withholding information from worker.

According to the L&I, there are more than 250 licensed farm labor contractors in the state providing labor for agricultural employers that recruit, employ and transport an estimated 50,000 domestic and foreign workers in Washington each year.

State law requires contractors to pay at least minimum wage, provide safe transportation, and ensure meal and rest breaks for workers. The contractors are also required to have a license.

An L&I investigation reportedly found that Eagle Labor Contractors operated without a license, failed to provide workers with complete disclosure statements, transported workers without a license and failed to provide a surety bond to give workers a recourse if a contractor fails to meet its obligations.

As a result, the contractor faces L&I fines of $138,250.

Disclosure statements spell out the work location, the type of crops, what the work is, specifics about transportation and housing and what workers will earn. Without a disclosure statement, a worker might not know the agreed upon wages or may be paid below the state minimum wage, according to the L&I.

Under an agreement with L&I, Eagle Labor Contractors will be licensed to perform work in Washington as long as the company pays off the fines in by March 31, 2025.