Aug 30, 2021

California Fresh Fruit Association calls on governor to veto AB 616

On Aug. 26, the California State Senate voted 24-11 to pass AB 616 (Stone), commonly referred to as “card check.” AB 616 would alter the traditional petition and secret election process overseen by the Agricultural Labor Relations Board in which farm workers can vote for a union.

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) joined a broad coalition of agricultural organizations to oppose AB 616, which proponents have characterized as “vote by mail” legislation. Unlike mail-in voting, AB 616’s process would allow for interested parties to select the timing and manner of a union election, as well as who receives a card check form and would limit the ability of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) to provide impartial supervision of an election.

“The California State Senate’s vote to pass AB 616 and undermine the integrity of the secret ballot in union elections is beyond disappointing,” CFFA president Ian LeMay. “The right to an impartial, secret ballot election, free from undue pressure, is foundational to the democratic process that all of us cherish as Americans. AB 616 would allow for interested parties (union) to deliver a representation card to a select group of employees to sign in their presence smacks of voter coercion and intimidation – an anathema to the democratic voting process. The bill fails to even require that every employee of a company have the opportunity to vote on who or if they want to be represented.”

“At the same time that our state legislators are smacking the pulpit regarding protections needed for our state and national voting processes, it is unfathomable they would strip our farm worker community of that same basic right. We call on Governor (Gavin) Newsom to have the same foresight as his predecessor Governor Brown did when he vetoed the previous card check attempt. Veto AB 616 and protect California farm worker’s right to a free and fair election process,” said LeMay.