Originally published June 14, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 14, 2007 at 2:02 AM
Portland plant raid highlights safety, say officials
An immigration raid at a food processing plant left 167 workers facing possible deportation and highlighted unsafe working conditions that...
The Associated Press
PORTLAND — An immigration raid at a food processing plant left 167 workers facing possible deportation and highlighted unsafe working conditions that were already the target of a state investigation and a successful lawsuit, officials said Wednesday.
The federal raid at the Fresh Del Monte Produce Co. plant near the Portland shipyards on Tuesday came after state regulators had opened a pair of new investigations into conditions facing workers who process fruits and vegetables. The workers — mostly undocumented — were employed by a subcontractor, immigration officials said.
Kevin Weeks, a spokesman with Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services, said the state investigation began after complaints were received on May 14 and a random inspection June 7 generated a second investigation.
"So we've got two active investigations, side-by-side, currently under way," Weeks said.
A Fresh Del Monte Produce spokesman was not able to be reached. The company said in a statement released Wednesday that "Fresh Del Monte is committed to complying with all laws and regulations."
A federal undercover informant's observations at the plant were cited in the search warrant affidavit filed before the raid. Among the observations listed in the affidavit:
• Electrical extension cords were in standing water, supervisors were not diligent about the cleanliness of vegetables before boxing for shipment, and the employee bathroom and cafeteria were "extremely dirty."
• There were about 3 inches of cold water on the production-area floor, where most workers wore sneakers or shoes even though they were supposed to be provided with boots.
• Workers were not paid overtime.
• Shift supervisors were constantly yelling at workers and were "extremely rude."
Fresh Del Monte Produce settled a lawsuit last year for $400,000 after eight former workers accused the food processor and a temporary staffing firm of violating state law by firing them for complaining about safety concerns and by withholding overtime pay, break periods and safety gear.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
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