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Our Region - AP State News
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Bill would ease unionization of farmworkers
By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press Writer
Published: Thursday, Apr. 23, 2009 - 1:16 pm
Last Modified: Thursday, Apr. 23, 2009 - 2:41 pm

SACRAMENTO -- Democratic lawmakers on Thursday urged Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to support legislation that would make it easier for California farmworkers to join a union.

The governor has vetoed three previous attempts.

The bill, which moved to the state Assembly after passing the Senate on a party-line vote, would allow farmworkers to form a union by submitting a petition to the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board. They also would have to submit cards signed by a majority of the farm's employees.

Once the board checks that the voting cards are legitimate, it would certify the union.

Democrats and other supporters say the legislation is needed to strengthen the rights of farmworkers and help prevent death in California's agricultural fields.

"How many summers do we have to go through of heat-related deaths? How many farm-related accidents ... before we recognize that unions are most important for people who are the most vulnerable?" said Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.

Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said his bill would prevent farm owners and labor contractors from intimidating workers before secret-ballot elections. But farm and business groups say the legislation could let the United Farm Workers pressure employees into signing the union cards.

Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Merced, questioned whether workers are any safer with union representation.

"I was unaware of the fact that under union contracts we have less heat-related deaths. Do you have statistics to back that up?" Denham said.

Steinberg did not produce statistics but said he was unaware of any unionized farmworkers dying from a heat-related ailment.

His bill passed on a 23-14, party-line vote and now goes to the Assembly. Schwarzenegger has vetoed similar bills three times.

Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, made a direct appeal to the Republican governor during the debate on the Senate floor. He said conditions for farmworkers have not improved significantly since his grandparents picked grapes in the Central Valley decades ago.

"This has got to be the bill you sign to leave a legacy in California," Florez said.

The governor has not taken a position on Steinberg's bill, but spokeswoman Camille Anderson said protecting farm laborers is a priority for the administration.

"Governor Schwarzenegger fought for and adopted the strongest and first heat regulations in the nation, has added labor law enforcement positions and reformed farm worker housing laws," she said.

Organized labor also is pushing to change federal law to make it easier for all workers to unionize. The Employee Free Choice Act in Congress would let a majority of employees at a company organize by signing cards.
http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/1804958.html