Brewster, Wash.-based Gebbers Farms announced a successful settlement with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for alleged violations of COVID-19 regulations.
Under the terms of the mediation agreement, Gebbers Farms will:
- Make $1.4 million in improvements to its facilities. These improvements include entirely new farmworker housing and sports facilities, landscaping around housing areas, additional air conditioning units, and location signage at each camp.
- Continue supporting local causes by donating more than $500,000 to local health, safety, and child-development organizations.
- Install a cell tower to improve cellular service for workers and communities.
- Hire a full-time safety officer to oversee the development and implementation of Gebbers Farms’ existing and new worker safety programs.
- Pay a fine of $10,000.
Gebbers Farms has posted copies of this agreement in common areas for employees to read, according to a news release.
“Gebbers Farms has always cared deeply about the wellbeing and safety of its workers,” Cass Gebbers, CEO, said in the release. “Each year, Gebbers Farms makes improvements to its temporary housing facilities to enhance the safety and comfort of its workers. This mediation agreement will result in even more improvements, and it will benefit the community at large through the farm’s donations to community charities and nonprofits.”
“Although we are pleased this issue is resolved, we have not forgotten the thousands who lost loved ones during this pandemic,” Gebbers said in the release. “Sadly, in 2020, Gebbers Farms also lost longtime team members and familiar faces to our family. These men, their families, and all Gebbers employees are part of the reason why we are gratified that the agreement includes our continued investment in our workers and our local communities.”
The Department of Labor & Industries originally assessed a $2.06 million fine for alleged violations in July 2020, despite Gebbers Farms having implemented COVID-19-response protocols that it developed in consultation with an infectious disease specialist, according to the release.
The state also issued a release about the agreement.
“Real, on-the-ground improvements for farmworkers and their families are a fitting way to honor the memories of the Gebbers’ workers who died,” Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Director Joel Sacks said in a news release from the agency.
“This settlement means Gebbers Farms will invest more than $2 million in changes that will improve the housing, health, and safety of workers.”
Two farmworkers died from COVID-19 while living and working on the farm, according to the agency.
Gebbers Farms was fined $2.04 million after two inspections in 2020 found what the agency called 24 “egregious willful violations” — 12 for unsafe sleeping arrangements in temporary worker housing and 12 for unsafe worker transportation during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Instead of possibly spending years and taxpayer resources in court to potentially collect fines, this settlement means the company will put significant money where it will help the most: improving health, safety, and quality of life for farmworkers and their families. Because a court could not order Gebbers to make these changes, this is a better result for workers than we could have achieved through litigation.”
Amy Philpott, spokeswoman for Gebbers Farms, said that the company maintained that its protocols protected workers, with about 99.3% of its entire workforce testing negative for COVID-19 last year.
“A recent CDC study shows workers who lived in Gebbers Farms-provided housing during May-August 2020 were three times less likely to contract COVID-19 than those who lived in the community,” Philpott said. “Nevertheless, the company is pleased that the improvements and monies paid in the settlement will directly benefit employees, their families, and rural communities. “
