Tell Gov. Inslee to protect farmworkers during COVID-19

During the last month, COVID-19 has revealed and exacerbated the existing inequities in our communities. And while this pandemic has touched each of our lives, essential workers like farmworkers are bearing the burden of their frontline work without needed protective equipment, hazard pay, or sick leave.

For farmworkers in Washington state, work and daily living were already dangerous and difficult before the coronavirus pandemic. Despite Governor Inslee’s declaration that farmworkers are essential, many large corporate farms are laying off workers and leaving others without social distancing and sanitizing practices.

Contact Governor Inslee: Tell him to take immediate action to protect the health and safety of farmworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Subject:

Protect Farmworkers During COVID-19

Dear Governor Inslee,

Thank you for your leadership in this pandemic. It is heartening to know our Governor here in Washington is thoughtfully approaching this crisis and communicating clearly about what is in play. I am writing today to urge that you take immediate action to protect the health and safety of farmworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic as they are deemed essential workers and are particularly vulnerable to being taken advantage of and abuse.

I ask that you: 
•	Enact Emergency Orders with funding for staffing to ensure all COVID-19 protocols, including appropriate social distancing guidelines and personal protective gear are being followed and enforced in the fields and packing/processing. This includes requiring companies provide personal protective clothing and equipment to farmworkers at no cost to the workers. And, ensure there will be no retaliation against workers asking for better protections, or for becoming ill as well as ensure the COVID-19 protocols are not used as retaliation in hiring practices. As well as include requiring the companies and farms pay farmworkers sick leave if they become ill. 
•	Provide transparent and clear information - Require transparent recruitment and hiring information and housing protections for all farmworkers related to COVID-19.  In addition to informing workers about the terms and conditions of employment when workers are being hired, all persons who are recruiting for agricultural employment in WA must provide detailed information about the risks of COVID-19, including how employers will protect their safety while transporting and housing them, and in the workplace. Additionally, establish an incentive for recruitment of needed farmworkers in WA State, including raising wages to work in agriculture.
•	Ensure clean operations and equipment - All farmworker housing, tools, and equipment must be fully sanitized before farmworker families move in and use the equipment. There must be proof of that sanitation. There must be designated sanitized quarantine living facilities with access to medical personnel, and COVID-19 plans approved by WA State Department of Health and local Health jurisdictions.

We need all Washingtonians to be safe and healthy. The farmworkers who labor to bring us food every day are on the frontlines of this crisis and need the support and protection of Washington’s laws and values in this time more than ever. Please act now.

Regards, Your Name

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