Quality Manual Labor Inc.

Eight former Del Monte Fresh Foods employees filed a class action lawsuit against the company claiming they were fired for complaining about safety problems. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of all current and former employees. About 30 minimum wage workers were fired when they asked to have New Year's Eve off and after they asked their temporary employment firm, Quality Manual Labor, to address safety complaints. Eight employees filed complaints with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, alleging Quality Manual Labor violated state law by firing workers for complaining about safety problems. Del Monte will pay $5,000 to each of eight fired workers and will deposit more than $300,000 into a settlement fund for class action claims. (Aug-10-06) [KGW NEWS]