NEWS RELEASE

February 24, 2005

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For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Meggan Stein

360-943-5406

mstein@wa-grange.org

 

 

GRANGE LAUNCHES FREE MEDIATION PROGRAM

Alternative Dispute Resolution System Offers To Resolve Agricultural Disputes

 

Olympia – Acting on a grant from the state, the Washington State Grange has launched an Alternative Dispute Resolution System (ADRS) that will offer free mediation of agricultural employment disputes to workers and employers throughout the state.

 

"Work disputes between employers and workers have been a long, drawn-out and costly affair in the courts every year," said Meggan Stein, ADRS coordinator. "This program offers a free, fast and confidential alternative to the uncertainty, cost and stress of lawsuits.”

 

The program -- the first of its kind in Washington -- provides skilled attorney-mediators and certified interpreters for mediations conducted in convenient locations throughout the state.  "This program can provide more prompt and creative resolutions to farm labor disputes than our crowded courts could accomplish and at no cost to participants," said Grange President Terry Hunt.

 

In addition to the Grange, the ADRS Program includes the collaborative efforts of the Washington Growers League, the Washington Growers Clearing House, Northwest Justice Project, Columbia Legal Services and the United Farm Workers of America.

 

Both employee and employer advocates are in favor of mediation for agricultural disputes.  “Our growers need an alternative to litigation that can deliver fair outcomes, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and minimize the risk of the extraordinary expense of protracted litigation,” said Mike Gempler, Executive Director of the Washington Growers League. 

 

“Successful development and implantation of this system would be of tremendous benefit to all affected parties—farmers, farm workers and advocates,” added Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director of the Northwest Justice Projects.

 

Almost any agricultural employment dispute that might otherwise be resolved in the courts will be appropriate for mediation through this program.

 

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For more information contact:

Meggan Stein, ADRS Coordinator

924 Capitol Way S #106

Olympia, WA  98501

Phone: 360-943-5406

Toll Free: 1-877-943-2700

Fax: 360-943-3080

Email: mstein@wa-grange.org