| FARM WORKERS URGE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 180, THE "FAIR TREATMENT OF FARM WORKERS" ACT. | |
| 9-7-07: Farm workers and UFW organizers demonstrated for nearly a week outside the State Capitol on L Street to urge support for SB 180. The bill would allow farm workers to choose union representation via a card check process. Farm workers claim that the secret ballot election method currently in use enables employer intimidation, discouraging workers from joining a union. |
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Farm worker/organizer Miguel Trejo and demonstrators hold signs urging Governor Schwarzenegger to sign SB180 (Migden-D). Earlier, the governor met with demonstrators, requesting a list of the worksite violations which would document the failings of current law. Worksite violations and the failure to enforce existing laws governing farm workers is a reason workers join unions. Wage and hour violations, exposure to pesticides, lack of sanitation standards, and sexual harassment are among the issues workers face. These worksite violations are difficult for individuals to deal with on their own due to the sometimes migratory nature of their work, the often corrupt farm labor contractor system, and employer intimidation. Though growers are dependent on farm workers, without a union, the employer has the upper hand. As of 9-13-07, Governor Schwarzenegger has not signed SB 180. |