The UFW is an organization very near and dear to me and my family. Well, the family that counts, anyway. We all grew up as farm workers and supporting farm workers is something that’s as dyed into our hearts as our mestizaje is embedded into our skin. Starting today, activists from the United Farm Workers will be passing through Visalia and its surrounding communities on their march on foot to Sacramento to raise awareness and demand that Gavin Newsom sign AB 2183 (Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act), which amends the current law to allow farmworkers the right to vote for or against unionizing either in person or by mail-in vote. Voting privacy is something all Americans enjoy but farm workers do not and they are often intimidated out of unions by the kind of people who think salt is too spicy to put on chicken. This bill would amend and modernize the current law to allow farmworkers to vote using a representation ballot card to protect their privacy. If you can donate time, supplies or a place for marchers to stay the night, please contact the UFW organizers and inquire about helping them out.
Show up for farm workers, because rain, shine or tidal wave, they sure as shit show up for you. Or you don’t eat. ✊🏽
