On this edition of Your Call, we're discussing the California farmworker 335-mile, 24-day march from Delano to Sacramento, California, which began on August 3.
The March for the Governor's Signature is a rally to urge California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB 2183, which would give more choices to farmworkers so they can vote for a union free from intimidation. Farmworkers say they would be able to vote in secret whenever and wherever they feel safe. There are 800,000 farmworkers in California. Less than one percent belong to a union, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Farmworkers are expecting more than 5,000 people to join them when they reach the State Capitol on Friday, August 26, which is Farmworker Appreciation Day. By then, they will have marched through 24 valley cities and towns.
Guests:
Teresa Romero, president of United Farm Workers
Dr. Ann Lopez, executive director of the Center for Farmworker Families
Web Resources:
UFW: Farm workers under UFW contract enjoy good wages, benefits & working conditions
Capital & Main: California Farmworkers March to Urge Newsom to Sign Voting Rights Bill
Los Angeles Times: Once struggling, United Farm Workers gains new clout in California, wants to use it
CivilEats: Less than 1 Percent of US Farmworkers Belong to a Union. Here’s Why.
CalMatters: Study says California employers fail to keep food, farm workers safe from COVID
Mother Jones: Conservative Courts and the Filibuster Are Blocking Heat Protections for Farmworkers
