Farm workers and representatives from the United Farm Workers union rallied in Modesto, Calif., on March 31 to pressure Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act (AB 2183-Stone) once it is passed by the state assembly. The event, held on Cesar Chavez Day, was one of many similar statewide actions that day and attracted around 40 participants. United Domestic Workers, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and several prominent Central Valley activists and community members participated in the Modesto action.
Protesters adorned the cross-section of Highway 99 and Hatch Road with UFW flags, banners and signs. Participants chanted the UFW motto, “Sí, se puede!” (“Yes we can!”) and “Viva los campesinos! Viva Cesar Chavez!” (“Long live the farm workers! Long live Cesar Chavez!”).
Farm workers rights: a protracted struggle
The Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act would update the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, allowing for farm workers to vote in union elections off employee premises and in their own homes through vote-by-mail. Farm workers often report intimidation by owners and management, unfairly swaying elections and making workers fear retaliation if they vote in favor of unionizing. Gov. Newsom vetoed AB 616 last September, a bill similar to AB 2183-Stone, citing “various inconsistencies” within the bill and “procedural issues related to the collection and review of ballot cards.”
Farm workers and organizers with UFW tried to meet with Newsom last June, but were denied an audience. UFW then organized a 260-mile, 19-day “March for the Governor’s Signature” from Tulare County to Sacramento in an effort to convince Newsom to the sign the bill. Newsom vetoed the bill the day the march was to begin to the frustration of many farmworkers.
California state assembly member Mark Stone introduced AB 2183-Stone on Feb. 15, which appears to clear up the “various inconsistencies” and “procedural issues” that Newsom took issue with.
‘Inconsistencies’ or class interests?
It’s no secret why Newsom really vetoed AB 616: He sided with his own class interests, those of the rich and powerful. Signing a bill that makes it easier for working-class people to organize unions like UFW, which provides leverage for workers to negotiate better conditions and wages, could hurt Newsom’s wallet.
Gavin Newsom owns several companies, one of which is a winery called PlumpJack. PlumpJack sources grapes from their own estates, although it is unclear exactly where the labor that goes into the picking and processing of the grapes comes from. What is clear, however, is the governor’s obvious incentive to keep agricultural wages as low as possible and hard-working farm workers subservient to corrupt employers.
Despite Newsom’s opposition, farm workers continue to fight for basic workplace rights and a livable wage. “We want to make sure the governor knows that we are not giving up,” said Armando
Elenes, Secretary Treasurer of UFW. “We are ready, we will march,” he continued, “so that we can be free from intimidation and from harassment.”
Elenes detailed how farm workers from across the country are ready to mobilize to pressure Newsom to sign AB 2183-Stone. All workers stand to benefit from improvements in wages and conditions for farm workers. A win for these workers is a win for our class.
