Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/668668
14 MAY 1, 2016 Good Fruit Grower www.goodfruit.com A lfonso Perez worked full time in the restaurant industry for 12 years, including some major chain restaurants, and never had health insurance. Two months ago, he accepted a full- time job palletizing for Stemilt Growers, one of the world's largest growers and packers of apples, pears and cherries in Wenatchee, Washington. The job came with health benefits and, even better, an on-site health clinic, with a pharmacy, offering primary and preventative care for the company's 1,500 full-time employees, seasonal workers and their dependent family members. Perez, 32, is married with two children, a boy, age 6, and a 6-month-old girl. Across the country, companies are seeking ways to reduce spiraling health costs, and in many cases that means increasing employees' share of the finan- cial burden through higher co-pays and deductibles. The agriculture industry is no exception, despite relying heavily on seasonal laborers who often don't receive health benefits. But companies also increasingly are implementing creative programs designed to cut costs by improving the overall health of their employees, through wellness programs and on-site health clinics, offering everything from smoking cessation and diabetes classes to lab work and women's health care. Companies using these programs say they tend to reduce absenteeism in the workplace, and in an industry facing a growing shortage of workers, they serve as a magnet that separates one company from the next. "It's a big draw," Perez said. "This clinic is a big thing for this community. It's a great benefit, and a lot of people probably won't leave because of it." Occupational health first Several agricultural employers began offering occupational health programs in recent years to better treat injuries and urgent health care needs on the job. In Washington, more than a half- dozen growers and packers have signed on with a company that staffs on-site clinics for occupational health, treating On-site health care Labor Companies find keeping workers healthy can help control costs. by Shannon Dininny "It's a big draw. This clinic is a big thing for this community. It's a great benefit, and a lot of people probably won't leave because of it." —Alfonso Perez 120 N. Naches Avenue | Yakima, WA 98901 | 509.853.3000 1420 Fifth Avenue | Suite 3000 | Seattle, WA 98101 | 206.626.6000 stokeslaw.com/agriculture At Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore, we take the time to understand what's important to you. We have decades of experience working with agricultural clients and deep knowledge of the business and legal issues they face. Let's reach your goals together. Realizing Your Vision Estate/Succession Planning George Velikanje Garon Jones Ellen Jackson Business/Real Estate Morrie Shore Dustin Yeager Charissa Johnston Litigation/Employment Brendan Monahan Sarah Wixson Sean Russel 360.333.4044 Casey Schoenberger Mount Vernon, WA Natural Fish Fertilizers for Organic Crop Production ORCHARDS VINEYARDS DRAMM Manitowoc, WI • U.S.A. www.FishFertilizer.com FRUIT Extremely high levels of available Calcium & Phosphorus