In California’s Central Valley, a battle is unfolding between a unit of the Wonderful Co. and the United Farm Workers union over the unionization of farmworkers. Several hundred workers at Wonderful Nurseries filed papers to unionize, but the company claimed the move was fraudulent. This dispute is being heard in proceedings that will determine the fate of the newly-formed union, which could have a significant impact on farm labor in the state where most farmworkers are not organized.
Under a new law passed in 2022, four groups of California farmworkers have successfully organized under the United Farm Workers union. This marks the union’s first successful attempts at farmworker unionization since 2016. Elizabeth Strater, the union’s director of strategic campaigns, believes that this is just the beginning of a rise in farmworker organizing in California due to the tremendous need for union representation in the industry.
California has unique laws that protect farmworkers’ right to unionize, dating back to 1975. The new law allows workers to unionize by collecting a majority of signatures without holding an election, a move aimed at preventing union busting tactics. However, opponents argue that this process lacks safeguards to prevent fraud and coercion by unions. Despite these concerns, the new law could lead to a resurgence of the United Farm Workers and increase union influence in California’s agriculture industry.
Farmworkers in California, many of whom are Latino and seasonal workers, are among the state’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. They face challenges such as lack of legal status and difficulty organizing due to the nature of their jobs. The new law could provide greater protections for these workers and give them a stronger voice in negotiations with employers. However, industry leaders argue that the lack of a secret ballot makes workers vulnerable to coercion, and they want more safeguards in place to protect workers’ rights.
The clash between Wonderful Nurseries and the United Farm Workers began when workers filed to unionize over concerns about assignments and scheduling. The company claimed that workers were misled into signing union cards that they thought were related to a federal pandemic relief program. The issue is now before the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, with an administrative law judge hearing testimonies from workers during a lengthy hearing. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future farm labor organizing efforts in California.
The push to organize farm labor comes at a time when union membership in the United States has been on the decline. However, recent public support for unions and an increase in filings for union representation suggest a potential shift in favor of organized labor. Companies where farmworkers have successfully organized, such as DMB Packing, are seeing progress in negotiations for better pay and benefits. This trend could signal a turning point for farm workers in California and across the country as they seek better working conditions and fair treatment in the agriculture industry.
