In victory led by the state's farmworkers, Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill strengthening union rights

In a historic win led by the state’s farmworkers, California’s governor finally signed into law the proposal passed by the legislature a month ago, expanding how these laborers can vote in their union elections. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into place surrounded by farmworkers and their advocates at the state capitol on Wednesday.

“California’s farmworkers are the lifeblood of our state, and they have the fundamental right to unionize and advocate for themselves in the workplace,” he said. “Our state has been defined by the heroic activism of farmworkers, championed by American icons like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong. California is proud to stand with the next generation of leaders carrying on this movement.”

”The measure, Assembly Bill 2183, paves the way for farmworkers to vote by mail in union elections instead of needing to vote at election sites, often on growers’ property,” The New York Times reported. On growers’ property, they can face intimidation and retribution. Big Ag, along with the California Chamber of Commerce, had steadily opposed the bill.

RELATED STORY: Farmworkers toil amid heat as bill strengthening union rights continues to sit on Newsom's desk