TUMWATER, Wash.-A farm labor contractor in Pasco has been fined almost $138,250 for violations concerning worker safety and payments.
The violations against Eagle Labor Contractors were uncovered during a Washington State Department of Labor and Industries investigation.
L&I launched its investigation after receiving an anonymous tip
According to L&I, its investigation found that Eagle operated without a license, failed to provide workers with complete disclosure statements, transported workers without a license, and failed to provide a surety bond, which gives workers a recourse if the contractor fails to meet its obligations.
“A properly licensed farm labor contractor prevents workers from being exploited,” said Bryan Templeton, the L&I’s Employment Standards Program manager.
Eagle’s failure to provide a disclosure statement, which spells out the work location, the type of crops, what the work is, specifics about transportation and housing and what workers will earn is the most serious violation, according to L&I.
To continue operating as a licensed contractor Eagle has until March 31, 2025 to pay off the fines in four payments, according to an L&I press release on the violations.
