PORTLAND — A farmworkers union says a prominent Northwest dairy cooperative, Darigold Inc., has allowed some member farms to milk cows that have injuries and infections in their udders, among other ailments.
At a press conference organized by the United Farm Workers on Friday, several dairy workers said sick and injured cows are routinely milked and are not medically treated.
The workers said the cows injure themselves because of overcrowded conditions at the farms.
Similar allegations are made in a consumer lawsuit filed earlier this month.
Darigold’s general counsel Steve Rowe says the accusations are inaccurate and misleading.
The union’s allegations are the latest in a long-running labor feud with the Seattle-based co-op over workers’ rights.
Darigold comprises more than 500 member farms in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and Montana.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.