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TRI-
September 17, 2009
Ministry gives checks to fired Pasco
dairy workers
By Pratik Joshi, Herald staff writer
The Oregon Farm Worker Ministry wants to provide moral and financial
support to nine workers who were fired from their jobs at
That's why Ed Brandt, president of the ministry, was in
It'll help them take care of their day-to-day expenses, he said. The
ministry will continue to raise money and support for the workers until
they are rehired by the dairy, Brandt said.
Workers' rights need to be respected, he said. Ruby Ridge workers
claimed in a recent lawsuit filed against the dairy in Franklin County
Superior Court that they were fired for trying to unionize.
Dick Bengen, who owns Ruby Ridge with his wife, told the Herald last
month that the workers' claims were without merit. The employees were
dismissed for a range of work performance-related issues including
negligence and for following unsafe work practices, he said, not because
of their unionizing efforts.
Seven of the nine workers were present to take the checks at the
Wednesday news conference attended by about two dozen or so community
members including a few faith leaders.
Armando Herrera said he was happy to get the money, which he'll use to
pay his bills. Since losing his position at Ruby Ridge in August,
Herrera has been working part time at an auto body shop. It's hard to
live with a pay cut, he said.
He also was pleased with the community support for their cause, he said.
The workers' right to bargain at the workplace is part of the ministry's
social principles, said Pastor Roger Barr of
"It's a faith concern. It's very biblical. Care for the poor and the
just treatment of workers," Barr said.
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