In today’s times, it is still shocking to hear that migrant employees are living in inhumane conditions.

So much so, that the federal government is forced to intervene to sue the employer for outright neglect of even small details.

This is the case with Berrybrook Farms Inc., located in Dowagiac.

While details are still coming to light, and may not be revealed fully until the litigation process has run its course, it is obvious that owners of Berrybrook know better than to neglect migrant worker living conditions.

This situation should have never reached the point of a lawsuit.

Initial reports said that areas of concern that brought on the lawsuit, officially declared a petition for civil contempt, included screens for windows, which often keep disease-infested insects from coming inside.

Other areas stated a lack of adequate water supplies and rodent control. Some of the most basic necessities have been denied to employees who complete work that many Americans wouldn’t deign to do.

Migrant workers deserve better treatment than this.

They are underpaid and work hard. They should not have to live in dangerous, dirty or deplorable conditions.

Berrybrook Farms Inc. knows what it’s doing when it comes to the agriculture business. It has built its trade into Berrybrook Enterprises Inc. and it strives for excellence, as would most agricultural companies.

So shouldn’t Berrybrook be expected to offer safe, humane working conditions to its employees?

This editorial represents the view of the editorial board.