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| The insane crowd at south side park in Sacramento |
After a week-long march, members of the United Farm Workers union and other Sacramento organizations returned home on Thursday. They're hoping to make their case to state lawmakers and, of course, the governor.
This came down just this morning. Governor Newsom says he does not support the farmers' union bill in its current form right now. So this bill would have given farmworkers more opportunities to vote in union elections.
What is the reaction to this latest news about the governor? And do you think some negotiations can be held here?
This is the first we're all hearing about the news from the governor. A little disappointing. A lot of work has gone into the bill, and we are really urging the governor to support AB2183 (the Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act (AB 2183-Stone) with our close partners at UFW, as I've really been instrumental in making this happen. And so we're here to support them.
Roughly 800,000 farm workers in the state will actually achieve basic rights under this bill. So a little disappointing. But you know, on the positive side, the governor's looking at this.
It's really disheartening, and it's disheartening in many ways, as these are individual farm workers who are essential workers, deemed essential, especially during a pandemic. Even pre-pandemic, they are responsible for bringing food to our table, and we need to treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
What are the challenges facing our farm workers today, whether they are local or even good immigrant farm workers here?
The key issue here is allowing them to vote by mail and in union elections away from intimidation and threats. And this will enable them to truly achieve your access to basic information about labor rights and labor protections.
You know, these farm workers are out in this 100-degree plus weather, working in fields of pesticides and toxins that are there without any access to running water, you know, shade inside. So, I want everyone to know that we're really talking about basic rights here. And anything else comes last. These are rights that the average worker already receives.
It is farmworker's appreciation day. And again, these people have been marching for 24 days in triple-digit temperatures, leaving families behind and taking time off from work. I think it speaks out passionately to make their voices heard. These people, too, must raise their voices in support of the bill and obtain the union rights that they deserve.
WATCH LIVE | People are gathering in Sacramento to support a farmworker's march to the Capitol.
BE PART OF HISTORY – Experience the UFW March to Sacramento by joining our Livestream direct from the frontlines as we arrive at the steps of the California State Capitol! Show your support for farmworker rights!
ABOUT THE MARCH: On August 3rd, the UFW began a 24-day, 344-mile march from the Historic 40 Acres in Delano, CA, to the state capital in Sacramento to ask Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign AB 2183, the Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act (AB 2183-Stone). The bill would give more choices to farm workers so they can vote free from intimidation. Farm workers would be able to vote in secret whenever and wherever they feel safe. On August 26, hundreds of farm workers and supporters will march the last mile from Sacramento's Southside Park to the big rally at the capitol. The day’s events will be live-streamed and feature guest speakers and appearances from UFW leadership and more.
JOIN THE LIVESTREAM: The free live stream can be viewed beginning at 10AM PST on August 26th from the UFW Facebook and Twitter social pages. Please click to join this historic live event in support of farmworkers and all they do to feed our nation.
To donate to the United Farmworkers Union, please visit UFW.org
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