UFW, farm workers gather to take part in U.S. Rep. Gutierrez’s live telephone update about status of immigration reform legislation

Hundreds of members of the United Farm Workers and a related non-profit group, the UFW Foundation, join activists in communities across the nation for a mass conference call Wednesday with U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) for an update on current efforts to enact meaningful comprehensive immigration reform next year. California farm workers and supporters will gather in Bakersfield, Salinas and Coachella to participate in the calls at 5 p.m. in English and 6 p.m. in Spanish with Gutierrez, a leading champion of immigration reform, to learn about activities planned by the end of 2009.

The UFW and UFW Foundation are key proponents of reform, including the historic and broadly backed AgJobs bill that would let immigrant farm workers already in the country earn the legal right to permanently stay by continuing to work in agriculture. Farm workers have met with the Illinois congressman in Salinas, Calif. and Washington, D.C., and have joined him via teleconferences from California, Texas, Oregon and Washington State.

"We thank Rep. Gutierrez for his leadership in passing just and humane immigration reform," says UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, "including the landmark AgJobs bill for farm workers. Our members are always energized by the congressman’s assurance that he will not rest until we achieve victory" by getting a progressive bill enacted. "On Wednesday, UFW members and farm worker supporters will join the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign by participating in house meetings and listening to Rep. Gutierrez’s action plan," Rodriguez adds.

UFW members and supporters can still RSVP for the call online by visiting www.ufw.org and join teleconference gatherings in California. Calls are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18 in English at 5 p.m. Pacific, 6 p.m. Mountain, 7 p.m. Central and 8 p.m. Eastern or in Spanish at 6 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Mountain, 8 p.m. Central and 9 p.m. Eastern at:

Salinas–UFW office, 437 E. Alisal St., Salinas 93907

Bakersfield–Casa Loma Apartments, 1525 Lotus Ln., Bakersfield 93307

Coachella–UFW office, 83155 Ave. 50, Coachella 92236