On May Day, Labor organizers gathered with former workers outside the Windmill Mushroom Farm in Sunnyside to protest what they say are poor working conditions. The United Farm Workers have been boycotting the company for years and asking the state to protect these workers.
Under current Washington State Law. Farm workers are excluded from the right to Unionize. Companies are not legally required to recognized Unions even if a majority of the workforce supports it. Protestors say the farm is also violating a new law that would mandate time off if you're sick or injured called Paid Sick Leave. Lawmakers are vowing an investigation.
"We just finished with our legislative session this year, and we passed legislation to make sure that workers know that regardless of their status , they have a right to minimum wage , to safe working conditions. and that is, you know, something that continues to be the way here in Washington state." said Rebecca Saldana, a Washington Senator of 37th District.
During the protest today, a leader from Windmill Mushroom Farm said they have no comment. United Farm Workers will continue to talk to businesses in the region to support them in the boycott of Windmill Mushroom Farm.
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