Three days before potentially being stripped of its operating license, Merced Farm Labor Contractor company surrendered its license Wednesday, according to the state Department of Industrial Relations.
The company, which was fined last month for work safety violations in connection with the heat-related death of a 17-year-old farmworker, gave up its license for three years – the maximum penalty it faced.
State Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet had called for a hearing to consider the Atwater company's license after officials found the firm had falsified information on a license renewal application in 2007.
The company stated it had no outstanding safety violations, despite failing to address heat illness violations stemming from the previous year. Bradstreet's department also found the company had failed to comply with the requirement to maintain a safe working environment for farm employees.
In a statement released Wednesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said: "We're sending a message that employers or labor contractors who fail to comply with California's heat regulations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, fined in accordance with the law – and face the reality of being shut down."
Merced Farm Labor Contractor's troubles stem from the May 16 death of Maria Vasquez Jimenez, who had been working in a San Joaquin County vineyard for the company in high heat with little water and no shade.
The company faces $263,700 in fines and possible criminal prosecution as a result of her death.
Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.
