BURLINGTONBy Armando MachadoTwelve migrant farmworkers were recognized Aug. 13 for their dedicated leadership during last month’s walkouts at three berry fields in the Skagit Valley.

Cornelio Ramirez (in the striped shirt) is pictured with fellow farmworker leaders and some of their supporters after an appreciation dinner Aug. 13 at St. Charles Church in Burlington. The farmworkers went on strike in July and received a wage increase and housing improvements. Photo: Armando Machado

“I am thankful for being invited here and for being honored,” 27-year-old Cornelio Ramirez told a reporter during a dinner gathering at St. Charles Church. “We went on a strike that was very worthwhile,” said the married father of four. “I give thanks to all who supported us — and I give thanks to God.”

The 12 honorees, who received plaques from Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services, were elected as leaders by more than 200 piecemeal berry pickers employed by Sakuma Brothers.The workers walked off the job three times over a 15-day period ending July 26. As a result, they received a minor wage increase and some improvements in their housing conditions, including replacement mattresses to address their concern over unsanitary mattresses.“Solidarity calls us to honor workers in our own communities and around the world,” Gloria Burton, director of CHS’ Farmworker Housing Initiative, said during the event, quoting from a recent statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.Other attendees included representatives of the Mexican and Peruvian consulates in Seattle and a youth group from St. John Bosco Parish in Lakewood. The youth were serving a weeklong mission with the annual Youth Migrant Project, hosted by St. Charles.This summer, a dozen parish youth groups from around the archdiocese — totaling some 300 young people and several dozen adult volunteers — participated in the YMG, said coordinator Jose Ortiz.The groups arrived with donated food, clothing and household essentials for the farmworkers, then each group spent a week serving the farmworker community. “I think it’s amazing,” said 17-year-old Niki Hobbs of St. John Bosco. “Today we unloaded a giant truck full of food.”The youth groups on hand during the walkouts helped serve meals and “were involved in one form or another with the farmworkers who were on strike,” Ortiz said.

August 18, 2013