Just ONE DAY after 800 UFW workers traveled to Sacramento to push SB 180:
RETALIATION AGAINST FARM WORKERS
AFTER GOVERNOR’S WELCOME
What: Just one day after 800 farm workers from all over California assembled in Sacramento to urge the Governor to sign SB 180 – "The Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act" – growers are already showing retaliation.
At 6:30 a.m., a foreman at Kern County’s Giumarra Vineyards told a crew of 30 workers who attended yesterday’s lobby day that they were restricted from working and would not receive compensation for their time of lost work.
Just yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger welcomed and expressed his appreciation toward farm workers and the many contributions they make to California’s economy. Within less than 24 hours after his welcome, participating farm workers were already threatened with their jobs. When farm workers are not free to come to Sacramento and visit with the Governor and their representatives, this clearly demonstrates the need for SB 180.
When: Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, 5:15 p.m.
Where: Radio Campesina Office, 6313 Schirra Ct., Bakersfield, CA 93313
Who: Armando Elenes, UFW External Organizing Director, Affected Farm Workers from both Giumarra Vineyards and Lucich Farms
Info: SB 180 would make it easier for farm workers to organize without the fear of being fired. Over the summer, the UFW has proven the majority of laws designed to protect farm workers are not being enforced in the fields. SB 180 is currently sitting on the Governor’s desk.
Contacts: Armando Elenes, UFW External Organizing Director, (661) 364-7567
Alisha Rosas, UFW Press Office, (909) 969-7284
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