According to the Olympian report, Zirkle Fruit southeast of Seattle sued to prevent the government from starting the new wage structure. The company was told to pay workers 75 cents a pound; workers received 50 cents in 2018. The average hourly rate for blueberry pickers was $17.13 at the 50-cent rate, the company said.
The government notified Zirkle of the new pay rate on July 24, a day after the increase actually took effect.
Zirkle said it was blindsided by the mid-harvest pay hike. The blueberry harvest began in June and continues through September.
The injunction will remain in effect until it is lifted or the case is resolved at trial.
In the interim, Zirkle is required to deposit the difference between the old and new wages, as well as taxes, into a trust account.
To view the complete Olympian report, visit here.