Support for Windmill workers mushrooms

In Seattle, Windmill Farms workers vow to keep fighting for union recognition

SEATTLE (Sept. 1, 2023) — Hundreds of mushroom workers from Windmill Farms and their supporters rallied and formed a human billboard several city blocks long in Seattle on Thursday in their campaign to demand union recognition and a safer, healthier workplace. Workers at the mushroom farm in Sunnyside, Washington, voted last year to join together in a union with United Farm Workers, but the company has refused to negotiate with the union.

United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero and Washington State Labor Council President April Sims joined Thursday’s action and rally outside a Safeway store in lower Queen Anne to notify shoppers that Windmill mushrooms are being sold at many Seattle grocery stores and restaurants. But the mushroom workers at Windmill have toiled under horrendous working conditions, enduring unsafe treatment and oppressive quotas. Workers battling for fairness have suffered intimidation such as increased scrutiny, firings, and other forms of retaliation.

“You being here today matters,” Romero said. “It shows the workers that speaking up makes a difference. And it shows the bosses of Windmill Farms that they can’t silence us! We’ll continue to march demonstrate, talk to supermarkets, and make our voices heard.”

“If Windmill Farms makes the mistake of continuing to deny your freedom to unionize, they are going to learn the hard way that the union movement in this state does not give up,” Sims said. “We will be outside Windmill Farms. We will be in the grocery stores. We will be in the streets, like we are today, until you get justice. In this case, justice means a union contract that protects you at work.”

Windmill mushrooms are sold at many Seattle grocery stores and restaurants. But the mushroom workers there have toiled under horrendous working conditions, enduring unsafe treatment and oppressive quotas. Workers battling for fairness have suffered intimidation such as increased scrutiny, firings, and other forms of retaliation.

Washington’s Attorney General recently closed a case against the former owners of the mushroom farm for $3.4 million over gender discrimination after the company fired 79 percent of its mostly female workforce. It advertised for only male H-2A foreign guest workers in order to have workers with fewer labor rights and family obligations. A majority of workers at the farm voted to form a union with the UFW, but the owners refuse to meet or recognize the union.

Here are some more scenes from Thursday’s action:

Today Seattle was there for the Windmill Farm mushroom workers. Seattle supporters raised their voices in support of these brave workers who have taken a stand. Seattle supporters told Windmill Farms recognize to their workers’ choice and negotiate with the UFW. #UnionMushrooms pic.twitter.com/oMjSneDiGp

— United Farm Workers (@UFWupdates) September 1, 2023

Farmworkers & supporters are lining three city blocks, bringing their fight for union recognition to one of the busiest streets in Seattle.

Solidarity with workers fighting for their union! Windmill Farms, do the right thing and recognize the union. #WeFeedYou #1u pic.twitter.com/Z805R4gaoh

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 1, 2023