California governor considers bill that could make it easier for farmworkers to form unions
By Robin Hindery, APWednesday, August 25, 2010
Bill in Calif. would help farmworkers form unions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers have given Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a bill that would make it easier for farmworkers to form unions.
State officials have estimated 450,000 people work on California farms during the high season, but fewer than 16,000 full-time farmworkers belong to unions.
Unions say more workers would join if it weren’t for employer intimidation and other illegal tactics.
The bill passed last week would allow state officials to approve a union without calling another secret-ballot election in cases of proven employer misconduct.
Opponents claim the bill would impose a pro-union agenda.
Schwarzenegger previously rejected four bills that would have changed the secret-ballot system for union elections.
