Ostrom Mushroom Farms, a major producer in the Pacific Northwest, systematically fired about 80% of its employees at its Sunnyside farm — the majority of whom were women — and replaced them with foreign workers, who were mostly men, under a visa that provides fewer labor rights, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by the state attorney general.
The lawsuit alleges Ostrom violated the Washington Law Against Discrimination by engaging in retaliation against employees who reported concerns over working conditions and refused to hire U.S.-based workers and women.
The company is also accused of violating the Consumer Protection Act by hiring H-2A workers with little-to-no experience though advertising that a minimum of three months was required, rejecting U.S.-based applicants who had relevant experience and offering H-2A workers a higher hourly wage. The Sunnyside company offered H-2A workers a wage rate of $17.41 an hour, but only paid some U.S.-based pickers $14 an hour on average.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson said Wednesday during a news conference held at the Centilia Cultural Center that his office was seeking pay lost by workers who were unjustly fired, restitution and civil penalties for the company.
Ostrom did not respond to request for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Dozens of workers gathered to share their experiences and call on Ostrom to abide by Washington state laws.
“We’re not here to damage the company, we want it to be better,” said Samira Rosas, who said...
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