BRIDGETON - -These workers just want to be heard. They are apart of a group of 32 employees that were fired from the La Monica Fine Foods clam processing plant in Millville.

Today, during a press conference workers spoke through an interpreter. They claim that they were fired from the plant on November 12 after protesting unfair wages and poor working conditions.

“They told us if we didn't want to work we should just leave, but they didn't do it like we were people. They kicked us out like we were animals,” said a former employee who wished to be identified as Flor.

The workers say they earned $2.20 for cleaning a bushel of clams, but they could only fill about 3 an hour, earning less then minimum wage.

“Many times you could only do 3 bushels in an hour. It simply wasn't enough,” said Flor.

After being let go the former employees sought the help of the Farm Worker’s Support Committee. This Tuesday, with the committee's help, they filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. They also asked the U.S. Department of Labor to investigate their low wages.

“It's a compelling story when people are just asking for a wage raise. They’re not earning minimum wage and they get fired by their company, a very clear violation of the laws,” said Jessica Culley, Community Organizer for the Farm Worker’s Support Committee.

All this and workers also claim that processing plant was unsanitary. Claiming that worker's wounds would go untreated and end up in the food product

“Its very dirty. If the clam meet would fall on the floor they would simply shovel it up and throw it back on the machines and back on the tables,” said Flor

“It's a frustrating situation and we're glad to be able to help them but also glad that they've demonstrated a desire to something about it,” said Culley.

NBC40 was unable to contact the company for a comment.