Fowler Packing faces $7.8 million settlement over labor violations

In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around a class action lawsuit settlement involving Fowler Packing and Ag Force, which was approved by a California district court in January 2023. The settlement, amounting to $7.8 million, addressed various labor law violations, including failure to pay wages, provide necessary breaks, and reimburse workers for expenses. The lawsuit, which has been in progress since 2018, highlighted issues such as the use of \"ghost workers\" and inadequate compensation for travel and wait times.

In response to these violations, Fowler Packing has implemented several measures to improve compliance and worker treatment. A new CEO initiated changes in 2018, and the head of HR, who joined in 2020, emphasized the development of a piece rate payroll processing software designed to ensure compliance with wage laws. This software automatically calculates wages, ensuring that no employee is paid below the minimum wage and addressing meal period violations without human intervention.

Additionally, the company allocates $20,000 annually for third-party audits of its wage and hour records to maintain transparency and accountability. The HR department has also established a confidential hotline for employees to report grievances, ensuring that workers can voice concerns without fear of retaliation. Regular meetings between management and employees are encouraged to foster open communication.

Despite the historical context of labor exploitation in agriculture, the company reports that its average grape harvesters earn approximately $25 per hour, with Mandarin harvesters earning up to $30 per hour, significantly above the minimum wage. The HR leadership is committed to uplifting worker voices and ensuring that such violations do not recur in the future.