The National Administration Office, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, organized a daylong forum for migrant Washington apple workers to air their grievances. The forum was in response to a 1988 complaint filed by four Mexican unions against the Washington apple industry, which alleged violations of health and safety and labor rights. Migrant workers testified to the abuse they suffered which included not being paid, unsafe working and living conditions, and retaliation by employers when they tried to organize. Even though the federal laws are applicable despite immigration status, undocumented workers rarely complain to authorities because employers threaten deportation.
See "Apple Workers Complain of Abuse", Associated Press, News From A.P., The New York Times, August 8, 2001