UFW endorses Kamala Harris for U.S. Senate
United Farm Workers President Arturo S. Rodriguez issued the following statement today (Oct. 5, 2016) from the union’s Keene, Calif. headquarters:
In a year of Donald Trump-inspired hate and attacks on farm workers and other new Americans, and 20 years after similarly inspired hateful rhetoric and policy from then-California Gov. Pete Wilson, Californians are lucky to have two strong candidates for United States Senate in Attorney General Kamala Harris and U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez. Like many other Californians, we are faced with a difficult choice between these two leaders.
The UFW has endorsed Kamala Harris for U.S. Senate after farm worker leaders under union contract interviewed both candidates and made their recommendations.
What distinguishes Kamala Harris in this campaign is her leadership and the results she has produced as Attorney General.
As California’s top law enforcement officer, Harris worked to end California’s participation in the unjust and ineffective Secure Communities program that harmed public safety in immigrant neighborhoods. She informed and supported California’s Legislature and the governor in passing the TRUST Act, a system of law enforcement that better honors and protects communities where new Americans live.
Harris has consistently protected collective bargaining rights for farm workers and all workers. Additionally, Harris said a key factor in her decision to run for the Senate was the need to pass immigration reform, which honors farm workers and other new Americans. As an organization we also appreciate Kamala Harris’ vigorous and effective advocacy of justice for all, including advocating for farm workers receiving equal overtime pay protections.
###