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Farm labor bill sets up another battle
By E.J. Schultz - eschultz@fresnobee.com
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, May 10, 2008
Story appeared in MAIN NEWS section, Page A3
Legislative Democrats are again trying to change the way farmworkers organize, setting up another showdown with the agricultural industry.
Outgoing Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez said this week he is working on a bill to make it easier for farmworkers to vote to join a union.
The legislation would allow farmworkers "to vote for collective bargaining rights in a way that their employer does not influence how they vote," said the Los Angeles Democrat. "We're still coming up with a construct that not only will get us the buy-in of the workers but that we can also sell the governor."
Last year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill backed by the United Farm Workers union that would have allowed for workers to sign cards instead of cast ballots in union elections.
Under the current process, farmworkers wishing to join a union must first submit a petition signed by a majority of employees. The state Agricultural Labor Relations Board must then hold a secret-ballot election within seven days. Unions say that during the waiting period, businesses discourage yes votes by intimidating workers.
Farm industry leaders fought hard against last year's bill, claiming that it took away a farmworker's right to a secret ballot.
They are gearing up for another fight this year.
"We will keep this as our top priority because we do feel the sanctity of the secret ballot is the No. 1 issue," said California Grape and Tree Fruit League President Barry Bedwell, who led the lobbying against last year's bill.
The right to secret ballot elections was established in 1975. In the wake of the law, farm labor unions had great success securing union contracts. But organizers have been stung by losses in recent years.
Núñez did not say how closely his bill would resemble last year's effort, which was carried by San Francisco Democratic Sen. Carole Migden.
Núñez has a good working relationship with the governor, which could boost this year's effort. He listed the legislation among his top priorities as he enters the post-speaker era.
He is termed out at the end of the year and next week will cede the speakership to Assemblywoman Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles.
About the writer:
- Call E.J. Schultz, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5541.
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