It’s been awhile since we’ve reached out to you about the workers’ campaign at Gerawan. Most of what we’ve been doing meanwhile has been the groundwork of day-to-day organizing.
Agribusiness giant Gerawan Farming is one of America’s largest tree fruit producers, employing more than 5,000 workers at peak. Gerawan was ordered to honor a union contract that was issued in 2013 by a neutral mediator and approved by the State of California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Board. Gerawan, which sells its produce under the Prima label, is avoiding millions of dollars it owes thousands of workers in pay increases and other benefits by refusing to honor the contract. The average money owed to a Gerawan worker is approximately $3,000.00.
Gerawan challenged the constitutionality of the 2002 Mandatory Mediation law put in place to stop agricultural employers from failing to negotiate contracts with their workers and elected unions. That left workers waiting for the California Supreme Court to hear the case and issue a decision. But an end to that wait is quickly approaching—the Court will hear oral arguments soon. Workers are hoping for a victory and to finally be able to enjoy the benefits they have been waiting so long for.
In the coming weeks, we will be calling upon you to show your support for the Gerawan workers.
Let justice be delayed no further!