July 19, 2024
Dear UFW Supporter,
Yesterday, July 18, a superior court judge granted Wonderful’s request for an injunction that halts progress for the workers at Wonderful Nurseries. This is a shocking ruling, and at this time the ALRB can no longer enforce the union certification or continue hearings on this matter. We will be appealing this decision, but that takes time.
Here is an article about the ruling: https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2024/07/farmworkers-california-unions/
This ruling ignores 89 years of labor law precedent saying an employer must go through the election objections process before seeking judicial intervention. Wonderful’s entire lawsuit to stop enforcement of the law and halt the ongoing election objections hearing is based on the company’s bogus claim that workers were misled into supporting the union, a claim that was thoroughly debunked by the complaint—tantamount to an indictment—issued by the ALRB General Counsel following a neutral investigation.
A hearing was taking place to address concerns around the union elections, which is now abruptly stopped. Why does Wonderful want to halt that process and silence workers so their voices are not heard?
It’s very clear Wonderful is determined to use its considerable resources to deny farm workers their rights. This is a heavy blow, but these workers are courageous and determined to seek what they deserve: dignity at work and a fair union contract.
In the moments after learning about the ruling, Rosa, a Wonderful worker leader had this reaction:
“As a worker I feel frustrated and angry that a judge did not take into consideration our rights as workers who suffer the injustices of the Wonderful company. This shows that the judge and the law only benefit the company and not workers. Here it seems that money can buy rights. Why is the company not letting us form a union? Why are they afraid? That all of the injustices, violation of our rights will be discovered? We only want a just union contract, where we have VOICE as workers and that the company treats us with dignity.”
We know you want to help. We will be reaching out to you with some action steps in the days ahead.
Si Se Puede!
Teresa Romero
UFW President