Governor Arnold Schwarznegger is being pressured by two warring constituencies. Farm workers and the United Farm Workers union want him to sign Senate Bill 180 that would permit workers to join unions after signing cards, instead of having to participate in secret ballot elections. Farm owners, however, point out that workers already have sufficient protections to organize, and a card check bill, if signed, would expose workers to intimidation and threats by union organizers.
Under existing California law, farm workers can join a union after submitting a petition requesting union representation, if signed by a majority of workers. Following the submission of such a petition, California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Board must conduct a secret ballot election within seven days.
The United Farm Workers won slightly more than 50% of organizing elections from 1990 to 2005. They obviously want to increase that number and get as close to 100% as possible. They believe that card checks will ensure such an outcome.
Card checks are not only undemocratic, obviating the need for secret ballot elections which are a foundation of any democracy, but if card checks become the law Corporate America will continue to suffer when competing with non-union workers from around the globe. It’s time to say no to card checks.
