Growers ask The Dalles to oppose Oregon OSHA space requirement change for ag labor housing

Dave Meyer, representing Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers, urged The Dalles City Council on Oct. 14 to oppose proposed changes to Oregon OSHA's ag labor housing rules that would raise required indoor space from 40 to 50 square feet per person.

Meyer said the rule would strip existing capacity from licensed ag housing, create significant retrofit expense for small growers and risk leaving seasonal workers without legal shelter. "If growers here in The Dalles have 20 to 50% of their beds taken away as [a result of the] new rule, where will the workers stay? In their cars," Meyer said, pleading that Oregon OSHA grandfather existing safe, licensed housing.

Council response: Several councilors said they would consider joining a support letter. One council member said they would "join in a letter" and staff indicated the city could prepare or sign a letter before Oregon OSHA's public comment deadline on Nov. 3. No formal binding resolution was recorded at the meeting; staff and councilors discussed attending hearings and drafting a written comment.

Context: Meyer and other growers argued the proposed rule change was part of a larger statewide review of ag housing rules that has stakeholders and advocacy groups at the table. He noted that many seasonal workers come to the region for higher pay and cooler climate and that growers have licensed housing that has operated safely for decades.

Next steps: Councilors asked staff to help coordinate a written response and indicated willingness from some members to sign a joint letter supporting grandfathering of existing, compliant structures. The transcript records conversation about the Nov. 3 comment deadline and counsel support for a letter, but it does not show a final council vote to send a city letter.