SlaveryMap

Holt, California, United States

There was an enforcement in July, 2002. The case was settled by Victoria Island Farm, LLP and JB Farm Labor Contractor. Victoria Island Farm, LLP paid $546,969 and JB Labor Contractor paid $100,000. This settlement amount included money for restitution, interest, attorney's fees and costs and penalties. The suit charged JB and Victoria Island with numerous labor law violations. According to the suit, workers were not told the terms of their employment and are intimidated by armed guards on the property. Most of the 500 workers in the camps were unauthorized migrants from Mexico who harvest asparagus from mid-February to late May. One worker reported earning $120 weekly, and having $55 weekly deducted for living in the camp and $10 daily for meals. Victoria Island Farm also agreed to spend another 260,000 to clean up the camps and make conditions more livable.

Location
United States · Holt, California · 2000 (location generalized to protect survivors)
Response & intervention
Oswaldo Ramirez went to California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) and received legal help. Cynthia Rice represented him and helped him file a civil case against JB Farm Labor Contractor. Workers that had worked on Victoria Island Farms from 1997-2000 could file claims to recieve their full pay. There were some 1,200 Victoria Island employees who worked in the asparagus fields from 1997 through 2000. However most of the 500 migrant workers that worked there in 2000 were illegal workers. If they were to file claims they would most likely be deported.
Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don't have a verifiable source on file yet — use “Report a problem” below to add one.

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