YAKIMA HERALD REPUBLIC September 23, 2005
Global Horizons settles with state A labor contractor accused of mistreating imported workers and turning away local recruits reached a settlement Thursday with two state agencies. The agreement requires outside oversight of Global Horizons, the California firm that brought Thai workers to Yakima Valley farms, and sets conditions for the immediate suspension of the company's licenses if additional violations are uncovered, according to a news release issues by the state Department of Labor and Industries and the Employment Security Department. "We have worked hard to resolve this situation quickly, before more people are hurt by Global Horizons' predatory practices," said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. "Rather than dragging this out in the courts, we've reached an agreement that puts the company on a very short leash and creates a better situation for potential workers." State officials said the legal process could have taken two or three years. Global would have been allowed to continue operating under its existing contracts during that time. In contrast, Global would now have to suspend hiring and staffing efforts if the state alleged violations of the pact, even though the company would have the right to appeal. The settlement, which required immediate payment of $230,000 of penalties and other state charges, was reached in advance of a hearing in the case that had been scheduled for next Wednesday. The state continues to investigate a more recent complaint against Global related to similar allegations over wage and working conditions, but a spokesman for Labor and Industries said an initial review did not appear to corroborate the claims. A federal labor probe is also under way. Worker advocates blasted the decision to settle, saying the state should have revoked Global's license and forced the company to reprove its willingness to comply through a new application process. For the past two summers, Global has brought in Thai workers under a federal program intended to fill what was described as a local labor shortage. But state officials said those workers were provided inadequate housing and paid less than promised, among other violations. The state also countered that enough local workers were available to meet demand. Under the settlement, Global must act "in good faith" to recruit and hire domestic workers before seeking foreign employees. Global officials declined to comment on the settlement Thursday evening before issuing a statement, possibly by today. The company's president said for a Wednesday article that he was pleased with progress toward the settlement and noted that the company had been unaware of some requirements expected in Washington. Erik Nicholson, regional director for the United Farm Workers of America, said the settlement essentially requires Global to comply with existing laws. "For a company, in essence, to cut a check and continue to do business in the state of Washington after so many egregious violations last year shows it's open season on farm workers," Nicholson told The Associated Press. Rachel Da Silva, an attorney for Columbia Legal Services, said she was also disappointed in the settlement, although she said it provided for quicker recourse by the state if needed. Columbia represents three Yakima Valley farm workers who claim they were intentionally turned away by Global in favor of the Thai laborers. Their lawsuit will continue in federal court regardless of Thursday's settlement, Da Silva said. "Global has to continue to be held accountable since it continues to have the ability to operate in the state of Washington," she said.
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