United Farm Workers announces chain fast and
vigil to urge Gov. Brown to sign SB 104
Hundreds delivered Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act to Governor’s desk earlier
SACRAMENTO, CA – SB 104, a measure that would make it easier for farm laborers to join unions, is on Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk. The Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act was delivered to Brown at mid-day, at the State Capitol, by nearly 900 farm workers and their supporters.
The delivery kicked off a 12-day campaign by the United Farm Workers union to persuade Brown to sign the bill. The effort, including a rotating fast by farm laborers in the northern steps of the Capitol by L Street, will coincide with the dozen days that Brown has to endorse SB 104, so it becomes law next year.
SB 104, introduced by Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), was recently approved by the Legislature.
It would give California’s 400,000 farm workers an alternative to traditional, on-the-job polling place elections to decide on union representation. Under the new process, farm workers would fill out state-issued ballots in privacy.
UFW President Arturo Rodriguez and dozens of farm workers will start the fast today (Thursday, June 16)
at 5 p.m.
On Friday, Congressman Howard Berman, the original author of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, will take up the fast along with dozens of new farm workers. Each day, new farm workers will take up the fast. They will be joined Saturday by SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry, who will announce the campaign to 2,500 social media activists at the Netroots Convention.
On Sunday, State Controller John Chiang will join the SB 104 fast. State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and members of the Latino Legislative Caucus will join Monday, followed on Tuesday by LA County Federation of Labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, Sacramento Central Labor Council President Bill Camp, and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Maria Echaveste. Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa will join on Wednesday.
The author of the Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act, Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (Democrat, Sacramento) will also fast.
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