Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that Pasco-based Greenridge Farms and Baker Produce will pay $470,000 to resolve his civil rights lawsuit over multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment of female farmworkers by one of the companies’ supervisors. Ferguson also asserts the companies retaliated against workers who spoke out.
All funds from today's resolution will go to the four women who reported the assaults, harassment, and retaliation. One worker also reported multiple rapes to law enforcement.
Greenridge and Baker are large farming operations formerly owned by Washington grower Frank Tiegs until his death earlier this year. Ferguson claims the companies violated the Washington Law Against Discrimination and Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act by subjecting female employees to sexual harassment and retaliating against those who rejected advances or complained about conduct.
The alleged misconduct occurred from at least 2018 until supervisor Antonio “Junior” Garcilazo was fired in March 2024. "These companies knew that this manager was harassing and assaulting their employees but did not stop it," Ferguson said. "He abused his authority over these women for sexual favors."
One woman stated, “I spoke up so that no other women would be harmed.” She added, “We raised our voices and succeeded in preventing sexual harassment.”
In addition to paying $470,000, a consent decree filed today in Benton/Franklin County Superior Court bars Greenridge Farms and Baker Produce from rehiring Garcilazo. The companies must institute new anti-discrimination policies within 60 days, including procedures for making anonymous complaints in workers' primary languages.
The Attorney General’s office learned of complaints through the Northwest Justice Project in June 2023. Four women ultimately came forward with allegations ranging from rape to harassment. Those who reported faced workplace retaliation such as reduced hours, negative reviews, and termination.
One worker reported multiple rapes over several years. Despite her complaint to her employer, Garcilazo continued his role with only a verbal warning. After her complaint, her work hours were significantly reduced.
A second woman was introduced to Garcilazo while seeking employment at Greenridge. He began harassing her over the phone before eventually assaulting her when she visited Greenridge. She later filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission but was fired less than two months after filing it.
A third woman reported that Garcilazo demanded oral sex as repayment for a loan she received during a time of need. After refusing his advances, she faced bad performance reviews and frequent reassignments.
A fourth woman detailed multiple unwanted advances from Garcilazo whenever they interacted. He asked for sex in exchange for extra hours or overtime and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Wing Luke Civil Rights Division Chief Colleen Melody handled the case alongside Investigator Supervisor Alma Poletti and Paralegal Logan Young.
Ferguson’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Division has produced guides designed to educate Washingtonians about their rights regarding workplace sexual harassment available in both Spanish and English.
Ferguson’s Civil Rights Division has previously brought cases against several companies for similar issues involving farmworkers’ protection from discrimination and harassment.
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