On this edition of Your Call, we're discussing the historic passage of AB 2183, a bill that will give California farmworkers the right to vote for a union by mail, free from intimidation or retaliation.
Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom visited a 24-hour farmworker vigil camp outside of the Sacramento State Capitol to sign the bill.
Farmworkers and their advocates have been organizing for this bill for years. Last month, farmworkers took part in a 335-mile, 24-day march to Sacramento, then began 24-hour vigils in many cities. The California Labor Federation says this is the most consequential private sector organizing bill in California’s history. Less than one percent of California’s 800,000 farmworkers are unionized. How will this bill improve wages, working conditions, and safety for women working in the fields?
Guests:
Teresa Romero, president of United Farm Workers
Dr. Ann Lopez, executive director of the Center for Farmworker Families
Web Resources:
Politico: Newsom reverses course and signs farmworker bill backed by Biden
Los Angeles Times: Newsom signs UFW bill aimed at helping California farmworkers organize
CalMatters: Newsom relents, signs farmworker union bill after pressure from Biden and labor
Community Alliance: A March for Their Rights
