We rely on the government regulatory systems that are in place to ensure that the growers we work with are in compliance with all laws. For all the farms in North Carolina, the Department of Labor's Agricultural Safety and Health Division is only funded to hire 4 full time and 4 part time staff members who conduct inspections. There is no possible way to ensure that all growers are in compliance with the laws, because only a small percentage of grower-provided housing and fields get inspected for sanitation and living conditions. FLOC is unfairly attacking us just because we are a big name. FLOC is targeting Mt. Olive because they are a big name, but this is not an unfair attack.
Large companies influence smaller companies, public perception and determine business norms.
Large companies should lead the way in providing model work environments. The conditions aren't any better on Ohio farms that have FLOC contracts. Workers from those unionized farms have reported many grievances. But really all he wants is the money from the workers. The comment to which Mr. Bryan refers was an example, not a proposal.