United Farm Workers Union

In the Fall of 2022, farm workers and their supporters marched 335 miles from Delano to Sacramento to pressure Governor Newsom to sign AB 2183 Links to an external site., which would allow farm workers to vote by mail in union elections.  Previously farm workers were required to vote on grower property in front of foremen, supervisors, and labor contractors, making it difficult for them to cast their votes without fear of reprisal or intimidation. This bill was introduced by our former local Assembly Member Mark Stone.  

Questions

  • How can the union election process be manipulated in favor and in opposition to labor organizing?
  • What are some of the reasons the United Farm Workers staged a march to call attention to farm worker efforts to organize?

Capitol in Sacramento with the text "If Governor Newsom signs the bill, it would give farmworkers the choice whether to vote in union elections in person, by mail, or by dropping off their ballot."

Farmworkers March across California for union voting bill Links to an external site. ( video 1:31)

UFW members walking from Delano to Sacramento

Newsom Relents, Signs Farmworker Union Bill after Pressure from Biden and Labor Links to an external site. (news article)

"Farmworkers March Across California for Union Voting Bill. Links to an external site."  The Washington Post, 1 Sept. 2022. 

Kuang, Jeanne. "Newsom Relents, Signs Farmworker Union Bill after Pressure from Biden and Labor Links to an external site.." CalMatters, 28 Sept. 2022.