Yakima, WA – On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, United Farm Workers and current and former workers at Windmill Farms, a mushroom producer in Sunnyside, WA, will rally outside the Yakima County Courthouse as it hears Windmill Farms’ motion to move worker lawsuits against the company to private arbitration. The lawsuit addresses severe labor rights violations, including illegal firings, intimidation, and harassment of pro-union workers at Windmill Farms.
Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. Rally, 3:00 p.m. Hearing
Location: Yakima County Superior Court, 128 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
What The Hearing Is About: Windmill Farms is introducing a motion to compel the workers who have taken legal action against Windmill into private arbitration, citing contracts Windmill coerced workers into signing as a condition of employment when Windmill Farms took over what had been Ostrom Mushroom Farm in Sunnyside, WA. The lawsuit addresses violations of the Washington Little Norris-LaGuardia Act, including unlawful terminations of UFW supporters. Since 2022, workers at Ostrom-Windmill have sought a UFW union contract, which the various owners have refused to recognize or negotiate with.
“The UFW condemns Windmill Farms’ attempt to escape accountability by taking workers’ justified lawsuit to private arbitration,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “Keeping the case in the public court system ensures the proceedings remain open and transparent, allowing for greater public scrutiny and accountability. Workers who have experienced retaliation, discrimination, and other illegal activity deserve to have their claims heard and adjudicated fully.”
The workers in this case are represented by nonprofit Columbia Legal Services (CLS) and Martinez Aguilasocho Law, Inc.