SEATTLE — One of the largest berry growers in Washington, Sakuma Brothers Farms in the Skagit Valley, is dropping its application with the federal government to bring in more than 400 guest workers from Mexico.
The farm says it will hire only domestic workers this season. The minimum wage will be $11.87 an hour, which is set by the federal government. Workers could earn more based on the amount they pick. The family owned farm grows strawberries and blueberries.
The Seattle Times reports in the past two years, the farm says it had to leave more than 900,000 pounds of berries in the field because it did not have enough pickers.
Workers went on strike at times last year over pay and working conditions.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.