A Big Win for Immigrant Workers in Maryland: Chicken Catchers Reclaim Over $650,000 in Unpaid Wages

Happy CDM and CATA staff members after a productive clinic with chicken catchers in Maryland

At CATA – The Farmworker Support Committee – we believe every worker deserves to be treated with dignity, paid fairly, and protected on the job. Today, we’re proud to share a major victory in Salisbury, Maryland that highlights the power of community organizing, the importance of workers knowing their rights, and the strength of collaboration.

Thanks to the courage of a group of immigrant poultry workers—and the tireless efforts of CATA organizers working alongside them—56 chicken catchers will receive more than $650,000 in unpaid wages. This outcome was made possible through a powerful partnership between CATA, the Centro de los Derechos del Migrante (CDM), Cohen Milstein, FarmSTAND, and the Public Justice Center, who joined forces to support the workers’ legal complaint and push for justice.

This is more than a legal victory—it’s a reminder that when workers speak up and communities organize, real change is possible.

It Started With a Conversation

In December 2024, a longtime community member came to our Maryland office to renew his green card. During a conversation with CATA organizer Leila Borrero Krouse, he shared alarming information about the working conditions he and his fellow chicken catchers were facing: unpaid hours, lack of protective gear, and an exploitative “apprenticeship” system where new hires worked for free for months until a paid position opened up.

Leila knew this was serious—and illegal. She encouraged him to bring in others from his crew and beyond. Soon after, workers from various groups came to CATA’s office, ready to share their stories and learn about their rights. Leila explained the legal options available and the protections they’d have if they moved forward.

This moment of truth required courage. But it was also the spark that ignited collective action.

CATA’s Maryland team, Jean-Frandy Philogene and Leila Borrero Krouse, standing strong with the immigrant worker community—organizing for justice, dignity, and safe working conditions

Taking Action Despite Fear

The workers were scared—scared of retaliation, of losing their jobs, of being reported. But they also knew the abuse they were experiencing couldn’t continue. With CATA’s guidance, they decided to take the next step.

We partnered with Centro de los Derechos del Migrante (CDM) to bring in trusted legal expertise. Working closely with Cohen Milstein, FarmSTAND, and the Public Justice Center, we helped the workers file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Throughout this process, Leila and fellow organizer Jean-Frandy Philogene stayed in constant communication with the workers—hosting in-person meetings in safe, off-site locations, interpreting and translating documents, and reminding the group of their strength and unity. Despite setbacks and fear, they moved forward together.

Justice Served—Faster Than Expected

Labor investigations often take years, but this one moved unusually fast. By early May 2025—just in time for International Workers’ Day—the Department of Labor ruled in favor of the workers.

The result: more than $650,000 in unpaid wages awarded to 56 workers.

The workers returned to the CATA office, emotional and grateful. “Seeing them sign the final documents, knowing that justice had been served—it was incredibly powerful,” Leila said. “They were proud. And we were proud to stand beside them.”

A Message to Other Workers: Sí Se Puede

To other workers who may be living through similar abuses but are afraid to speak up, this case sends a clear and powerful message:

You are not alone. Your voice matters. And when we come together, we can win.

“Even when a situation seems too big, too risky, or too difficult,” said Frandy, “there is always a path forward. But you have to take that first step—and trust that people will walk with you.”

This victory proves that when workers are informed, organized, and supported, they can achieve what once seemed impossible.

The Fight Continues

While we celebrate this important win, our work in Maryland continues. We are actively supporting immigrant workers facing exposure to dangerous pesticides—an ongoing and often invisible threat to worker health and safety.

Through our participation in the Maryland Pesticide Education Network (MD PEN)—where Leila serves on the Board of Directors—and our involvement with the Smart on Pesticide Coalition (SOPC), we’re advocating for stronger protections and greater accountability from both employers and the state. Recent concerns about PFAS contamination near a Perdue facility in Wicomico County only underscore how urgent this work remains.

Stand With Us

This win belongs to the workers who had the courage to speak up. But it’s also a win for every worker who’s been told to stay silent, and every person who believes in fairness and justice.

If you're a worker facing unsafe or unfair working conditions, or someone who wants to support this work, contact organizer Leila Borrero Krouse directly at lborrerokrouse@cata-farmworkers.org.

We lost critical federal funding this year. To complete the work we’ve planned in Maryland, we need to raise $20,000. Thanks to generous supporters, we’ve already raised $15,000.

We’re just $5,000 away—donate today so CATA can keep showing up. https://buff.ly/UXPby1E