Assembly votes on landmark farm labor bill as more than 100 farm workers pack gallery, then march to see Gov. Davis

More than 100 farm workers will pack the gallery on Monday as the full Assembly takes a final vote on a landmark bill to help them win union contracts with growers. Some of the workers from companies where employers have refused to negotiate will sit as guests in the rear of the chamber. After SB 1736, by Senate leader John Burton (D-San Francisco), is approved the entire group will march to the Governor’s Office and seek a meeting with Gov. Gray Davis, who has not announced a position on the legislation.

SB 1736 is seen as the most important farm labor bill in 27 years, since the original Agricultural Labor Relations Act was passed in 1975 during former Gov. Jerry Brown’s first year in office. Monday’s vote is a key step in a United Farm Workers drive to enact legislation enabling many more farm workers to win what they voted for in secret-ballot elections: union contracts.

The bill would amend the Agricultural Labor Relations Act by allowing the Agricultural Labor Relations Board to call for specialized professional arbitrators to resolve differences between unions and growers during negotiations.

Of the 428 ranches where farm workers voted for the UFW since 1975, only 185 growers have signed contracts with the Cesar Chavez-founded union. "Tens of thousands of farm workers who at one time voted for the UFW have never enjoyed the life-changing benefits of union contracts," says UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who will be present for the Assembly vote. Supporters note SB 1736 would simply put into law for all California farm workers the same rights Gov. Davis and the Legislature bestowed in 2001 on "backstretch" workers at race tracts who are officially classified as agricultural employees.

Who:   More than 100 farm workers from across California and UFW President Arturo Rodriguez.

What:   Final Assembly vote on SB 1736, allowing farm workers to win contracts through binding arbitration when growers refuse to bargain; then meeting with Gov. Davis.

When:   Late a.m. during Assembly floor session, Monday, Aug. 5, 2002.

Where:  Assembly chambers, state Capitol, Sacramento.

– end –