In 1996, the Oregon Legislature convened a working group composed of representatives of grower organizations, legal representatives of farm workers, and other interested parties, including the Oregon State Bar. This group was encouraged to find an alternative to the costly and time-consuming legal remedies for farm labor disputes. The group discussed mediation as one alternative and approached the ODA, inquiring about the use of its long-established mediation program. The group also solicited the involvement of Ken Pallack, an experienced mediator with in-depth knowledge of agricultural labor issues. In this way, the Oregon Farm Labor Mediation Project was born.
Mediation is voluntary, confidential, and informal.
It is not intended to compromise the legal rights of either side. Discussion of differences between parties can lead to a better understanding of both points of view and may help to prevent future disagreements from developing. Either party may withdraw from mediation at any time without further obligations. The mediation services may be used to resolve any alleged violation of law relating to wages, hours, employment terms, working conditions, housing conditions when housing is provided by the employer, or charges of unfair or illegal treatment. If a problem is not resolved, either party, or his legal representative, may request mediation.