California Ag & Business Groups Applaud Governor's Commitment for Enforcing Farm Labor Laws

2008-09-01 17:38:08 -

- For California Grape & Tree Fruit League Stevan Allen 916-448-1336 or 916-718-2999 More than two-dozen farm and business groups voiced support on Labor Day for Governor Schwarzenegger's commitment to strictly enforce existing laws protecting California farmworkers.

"California has the nation's most progressive and aggressive laws to protect the health and safety of farmworkers," said Barry Bedwell, president of

the California Grape & Tree Fruit League, an alliance member. "Our industry pledges to continue working with the Administration to ensure these laws are enforced."

The coalition - which also includes the California Chamber of Commerce, California Farm Bureau Federation and Western Growers - today reiterated its opposition to Assembly Bill 2386 (Nunez), sponsored by the United Farm Workers. The group charges that the measure would abolish the rights of farmworkers to cast secret ballots when considering whether or not to unionize.

"This legislation would allow the union to game the system so that it can easily circumvent the democratic process to advance its own political agenda," Bedwell said. "It has nothing to do with worker safety and everything to do with the UFW's desperate attempt to boost membership."

The coalition urged the Governor to veto AB 2386, which is on the Chamber's annual "Job Killer" list and similar to "card-check" measure he vetoed last year. Bedwell called on the state to instead focus on enforcement and education efforts as the most effective way to protect workers.

"We have zero tolerance for any operation that fails to follow the law," said Bedwell. "We commend the Governor and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency for strictly enforcing the laws on the books."

Opponents also include the Agricultural Council of California; Allied Grape Growers; California Association of Winegrape Growers; California Dairies, Inc.; California Farm Bureau Federation; California Grain and Feed Association; California Citrus Mutual; Family Winemakers of California; Grower Shipper Association of Central California; Grower-Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties; Nisei Farmers League; Ventura County Agricultural Association; Western United Dairymen; Wine Institute; California Grocers Association; California Restaurant Association; California Hospital Association California; Business Properties Association; California Hotel and Lodging Association; California Independent Grocers Association, California Retailers Association; California Manufacturers and Technology Association; National Federation of Independent Business and the Western Electrical Contractors Association.

Alliance Reaffirms Sanctity of Secret Ballot, Calls for Veto of AB
2386 Card Check Legislation