Evans Fruit Workers Claim Poor Working Conditions, Walk Out

Roughly a dozen Evans Fruit employees walked off the job in Sunnyside Friday, claiming poor working conditions and pay discrepancies. According to the Yakima Herald, the employees walked out after they reportedly worked 12 to 15 hour days, spraying pesticides. Those workers also said they were not provided proper equipment to do their job or needed safety equipment.

During a press conference with United Farm Workers earlier this week, workers said their eyes were irritated after using pesticides. The workers also claim the company did not provide paid breaks and were not honest about wages.

A UFW spokesperson says the complaints have been submitted to the state Department of Labor and Industries.

Evans Fruit is one of the state’s largest fruit companies with packing plants in Yakima, Cowiche, and Tieton.

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