Columbia Legal Services

On Monday a lawsuit was filed against Stemilt Ag Services claiming a violation of federal anti-trafficking laws and more. Two H-2A workers identified in the suit said the Wenatchee-based company violated the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act as well as the Washington Law Against Discrimination through threats and intimidation ...

Several unions filed a lawsuit in Washington’s Skagit County Thursday, calling for the Washington Department of Health as well as the Department of Labor and Industries to immediately update the health and safety standards impacting farm workers. ...

Should the Washington Ag Industry pay overtime like other small businesses across the state?   That was one of the topics debated before the state Supreme Court Thursday.  The high court heard oral arguments that center around a 2016 class action lawsuit where workers allege they were not provided with adequate meal and rest breaks while working at an Outlook area dairy.   ...

Much to the displeasure and dismay of the Ag industry, lawmakers in Olympia this week advanced legislation allowing the Employment Security Department more oversight of the H2-A program in Washington.  Senate Bill 5438 would create an office of compliance at ESD.  An...

A lawsuit filed by some 600 Mexican workers alleges a Washington farm, owned by a major U.S. blueberry grower, violated federal laws by providing unsafe working conditions.  Joe Morrison with Columbia Legal Services said at a press conference Thursday the suit outlines instances where workers were told they will not take time off unless Quote "on their death bed", as well as, being provi

Columbia Legal Services started issuing checks this weekend to over 700 people involved in a lawsuit settlement that started back in March.  That suit alleges farm workers were fired in 2012, when they called 911 after a manager showed a firearm in a Yakima Valley orchard.  Th...