A failure to provide records for a scheduled compliance review has resulted in state labor officials issuing the largest fine ever to a farm labor contractor, largely for allegedly violating workers’ rights. 

Pacific Agri Services LLC allegedly failed to inform 5,000 workers about the details of their jobs and compensation, including job locations, housing and transportation, according to a release. Those violations resulted in all but $10,000 of the $1.25 million fine against the company.  

The company also was fined for operating without a farm labor contractor license and for failing to maintain and provide records. 

“The fine in this case reflects the sheer number of workers who did not receive the required information they need to make sure they are being properly paid and understand the conditions in which they will be working,” said Bryan Templeton, manager of the state Labor & Industries Department’s employment standards program, in a statement. 

Pacific Agri Services initially denied operating as a farm labor contractor and is appealing the violations. 

Roughly 50,000 farm laborers, domestic and foreign, are supplied by 250 licensed farm labor contractors to work in the state agricultural industry each year. Those contractors are required by law to pay no less than minimum wage, provide safe transportation and ensure meal and rest breaks. They also are required to provide written details of the work and benefits, such as housing and transportation. 

L&I began investigating Pacific Agri Services in August 2024. When the agency eventually received the required records to review compliance, its investigators allegedly found the company failed to provide complete and up-to-date disclosure forms and transportation information to 4,950 domestic and 26 foreign H2-A workers in 2024. 

This is the second farm labor-related finding against a Richland company in recent weeks. King Fuji is reforming its hiring practices and paying a fine to the state Attorney General’s Office after an investigation into discriminatory employment practices and misrepresentations to local farmworkers about job opportunities.