Blueberry farm settles suit over jobs, housing

CASCO TOWNSHIP (AP) — A small group of migrant workers in western Michigan has agreed to a $58,000 settlement in a lawsuit that accused a blueberry farm of breaking promises about jobs and housing.

The settlement was recently filed in Grand Rapids federal court.

Eight workers accused Anthony Marr and Blue Star Farms of violating laws that protect migrants who travel from state to state to pick fruit and vegetables.

Marr and Blue Star admitted no liability in the settlement.

The workers say they expected to pick blueberries after leaving Florida for Michigan in summer 2012. Instead, they say they arrived in Allegan County and were denied jobs and housing.

The lawsuit was filed by Migrant Legal Aid, based in Grand Rapids.