Farmworkers sue Vidalia onion farmer over wages

Thursday, April 18, 2013

ATLANTA - A group of farmworkers has sued one of the biggest producers of Vidalia onions, saying they were paid less than minimum wage and were paid less than foreign guest workers who worked alongside them.

The federal lawsuit was filed by four American farmworkers and 16 of their former co-workers against Stanley Farms, LLC and its managers. The lawsuit also says the American workers suffered illegal wage deductions and transportation in unsafe vehicles.

According to its website, Stanley Farms grows more than 1,000 acres of onions, as well as other crops and vegetables. It is a family business owned and operated by R.T. Stanley and his three sons, all of whom are named in the lawsuit.

A woman who answered the phone at Stanley Farms Thursday said she couldn't comment.