| Complaints & Penalties | in Spanish |  |
 |
 |
 |
|||||
|
|||||||
 |
 |
||||||
Complaints & penalties against farm labor contractors
Complaints
- How can I file a complaint against
a farm labor contractor who is not following the laws?
Fill out the Farm Labor Contractor Complaint Form (178 KB PDF) online and mail it in according to the instructions on the form.
- If I file a complaint, will my name
be released?
No, you may wish to have your identity remain confidential, and we will respect that right to the full extent allowable by law.
Penalties
- What are the penalties for doing business as a farm labor contractor without being licensed?
L&I can assess penalties for doing work as a non-licensed contractor. RCW 19.30.200 states: Violations of failing to become licensed as a farm labor contractor and performing work in that capacity is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 or imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum of six months, or both.
- What are the penalties for doing business with an unlicensed farm labor contractor?
L&I can assess penalties for doing business with an unlicensed farm labor contractor. RCW 19.30.200 states: “Any person who knowingly uses services of unlicensed farm labor contractor shall be personally, jointly and severally liable.” (Italics added) Additionally, there are remedies and penalties for failing to comply with applicable statutes and rules, including fines of up to $1000, potential right of action, and liens against bonds.
What if I am an undocumented worker?
- If I am an undocumented worker, will
L&I turn me in to the Immigration and Naturalization Services or the
local police authority?
Labor and Industries is NOT associated with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. We will not report an undocumented worker to the federal government or to a local police authority — it is our intent to ensure employees are provided a safe workplace, appropriate wages, and medical coverage if injured.
For more information:
-
Farm
Labor Contractor Registration Fact Sheet (124 KB PDF) - Go to your nearest Labor and Industries office for materials in English and Spanish on this initiative, along with guidelines and checklists that can be used by harvesters, farm labor contractors, sheds, and landowners to assist in complying with the laws.
- Call 1-800-361-1891 (toll free) or 360-902-5315l.
