The California legislature is considering changing the landmark Agricultural Labor Relations Act and permitting farm workers to opt for union representation via card checks. The newly introduced legislation will definitely alter the agricultural workplace.
As one might have expected, the legislation is being vigorously supported by the United Farm Works which, more than 30 years ago, had devoted considerable energies in support of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which permitted secret ballot elections. That, however, did not produce the number of union members that leader Cesar Chavez had anticipated.
The new legislation would give workers the choice of signing a card for secret ballot elections or signing a card that authorizes union representation without an election. The bill also permits the UFW to fill out the authorization cards on behalf of workers. All the farm workers need do is sign their cards.
As various states bend to the desires of organized labor, Corporate America will face higher and higher labor costs along with increased penalties for any violations of the new rules and regulations.
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