TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of the farm workers at Gerawan Farming, and right to unionize with the United Farm Workers.
DISCUSSION
Gerawan Farming, which markets its fruits under the Prima brand, is a multi-million dollar company employing over 5,000 farm workers in the San Joaquin Valley. They have major accounts with school districts across the State and sell to retail locations, including Target and Walmart.
United Farm Workers (UFW), with the participation of a 25 member negotiating committee obtained a legally binding union contract in 1990 through the Mandatory Mediation Process of the State of California calling for improved wages, benefits and additional rights that Gerawan has refused to implement. The farm workers employed by Gerawan Farming have been attempting to unionize since 1992 in the last major organizing drive under the leadership of Cesar Chavez. This resolution is in support of their continued quest for union representation.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT
VICE MAYOR LOWENTHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
REX RICHARDSON
COUNCILMEMBER, NINTH DISTRICT