Workers Displaced After Western Mass. Farm Camp Closure

The owners of a western Massachusetts bean sprout farm are in trouble again for allegedly allowing their workers to live in substandard homes.

Twenty-two workers and their families were forced to find new homes last week after state and local health officials condemned and closed farm camps in Whately and Deerfield.

The state Public Health Department has sued Sidney Chang, Rose C. Chang and Tso-Cheng Chang of the Chang Family Trust for failing to meet sanitary and housing code.

The Changs were ordered to provide new housing for their workers. Authorities tell The Recorder of Greenfield workers have been housed in an area hotel.

The U.S. Department of Labor in June alleged that Chang & Sons Enterprises Inc. violated laws regarding minimum wage and overtime for employees.

Sidney Chang declined comment.