Farmworker Tribunal Set For Monday

Washington farmworkers will gather in Olympia Monday to discuss workplace conditions.  For the sixth year, laborers from across the Evergreen State will deliver testimonies to tribunal judges.  Their views on issues like workplace retaliation and the heath risks of pesticide use are expected to be big topics.

Adrianne Sebastian, a doctor and organizer with International Migrants Alliance, will be one of the judges.  She said her role includes not only hearing from those farmworkers, but also finding solutions and making recommendations.

"How we can create a more equitable and sustainable, just food system, while also creating a platform to hear these community voices and the people most impacted."

Rosalinda Guillen heads Community to Community Development, one of the organizations hosting the tribunal.  She noted this is a way for workers to set the legislative agenda in Olympia.

"Legislative agenda from the bottom up or from the grassroots up, right? What do we need to do, what do community leaders need to do, what do farmworkers themselves need to do in the coming years, to reach the desired goals, for justice, for safety and health, and economic viability for the community?"

The sixth annual Farmworker Tribunal is on Monday, which also is Latino Legislative Day.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com