Save Family Farming: Saldaña Fails To Help Farmworkers

Despite claims of providing economic relief for farmworkers, Save Family Farming says a proposal put forward by Washington state Senator Rebecca Saldaña fails to put money back in the pockets of workers.  Saldaña, Chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, has put forward Senate Bill 5722, creating a new state grant to pay for ag overtime costs.  However, Dillon Honcoop with Save Family Farming, said when reading the legislation, it has very little to do with helping farm workers.

“Reducing transportation pollution, strengthening food sovereignty and climate and disaster resiliency.  And promote the hiring of local workers.  None of the money actually goes into the pockets of the farm workers pockets. So, how is this a solution, for the people most, upset, frustrated, harmed by this whole situation. It doesn't.”

Honcoop added that Saldaña also championed the agriculture overtime legislation in 2021, which has resulted in a loss of income for farmworkers across the state.  He added the message from farmworkers across the state to Saldaña and other lawmakers in Olympia is a simple one.

“Just give us the ability to during busy seasons," Honcoop said.  "Some more hours. When the hours are there to be had and we can make more money, it's better for the farm. It's better for the farm worker. And that's a good compromise to this whole situation.”

Honcoop added making the situation even more frustrating is the fact the past couple of years when farmworkers have rallied in Olympia to protect Ag overtime, Saldaña refused to meet with those workers to hear their complaints.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com