—ON THE PICKET LINE—

Apple pickers in Washington win strike over abusive conditions

QUINCY, Wash. — Nearly two dozen apple workers here who struck W&L Orchards for three days in September over abusive working conditions were back on the job Sept. 15, winning their three main demands. The orchards are operated by Larson Fruit Co. in Selah.

The farmworkers are from Mexico, working on temporary permits known as H-2A visas. The company agreed to reinstate three workers who were fired after they complained about their working conditions, to remove an abusive supervisor, and to recognize a five-person committee to discuss workers’ issues with the company.

All the workers have joined Familias Unidas por la Justicia, the independent farmworkers union in Washington. “The union is getting calls from farmworkers from all over the state, including other workers on H-2A visas, because the union’s stand in defense of all farmworkers is becoming well known,” union President Ramón Torres told the Militant at the picket line Sept. 12.

The rehired workers told the Militant about their abuse. Jorge described being forced to use broken ladders for picking apples, and when he fell off one and broke his arm, he was denied medical care. Jose said he fell ill in the winter from working in the cold wet orchard. The supervisor told him if he didn’t keep working he would face deportation. Juan said he asked for a second break after having worked 12 hours, but the supervisor just told him, “Get used to suffering.” Now, Juan said, the company will “have to get used to us demanding our dignity.”

— Mary Martin

Pacific Blue Cross workers ratify contract, push back concessions

BURNABY, British Columbia — After nine weeks on the picket lines, Pacific Blue Cross workers here ratified a contract Sept. 10 turning back concessions the company had demanded. Some 600 workers, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1816, were locked out July 7 in response to several work stoppages protesting attacks on health care, pensions and wages.

“We won because of our solidarity and because we stayed strong,” striker Donna Fournier told the Militant after the ratification meeting.

“We’ve taken strike votes before as part of the bargaining process,” said Vanda Sudic, with 27 years at the company, “but we’ve never had such antagonistic treatment.”

Solidarity was key to the gains made, picket captain Norm Jennings said. “A lot of people who were on the fence about being in a union turned a corner and are now solid supporters of the labor movement.”

The six-year contract preserves retirees’ benefits and includes wage increases of 1.5 percent the first year, 1.75 percent for the second year and 2 percent for each of the final four years, the union told the press.

Pacific Blue Cross, a private health insurance company that claims to be “not-for-profit,” made $11 million in profits last year.

— Joe Young