By Blake Jackson
Over a year after winning unionization votes at five New York farms, the United Farm Workers (UFW) is requesting binding arbitration to secure contracts. This follows unsuccessful attempts by growers to overturn the state's 2019 law granting farmworker unionization rights. These filings mark the first use of arbitration under the new law.
A sixth UFW victory was recently certified by the state's Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) after a November 2023 vote at Cherry Lawn Fruit Farms. This certification was delayed due to a lawsuit challenging the farm labor law, but the judge lifted the injunction in February 2024.
Despite state certification, negotiations at the initial five farms (Wafler Farms, Porpiglia Farms, Cahoon Farms, A&J Kirby Farms, and Lynn-ette & Sons Farms) haven't yielded contracts. The UFW views this as a lack of good faith bargaining and is pursuing binding arbitration, the final step under the law.
"Workers deserve the fair contracts they voted for," said UFW Secretary-Treasurer Armando Elenes. "Growers' refusal to bargain leaves us no choice but to seek arbitration. This long wait is unacceptable."
Farmworkers, like Owen Salmon of Wafler Farms, share this sentiment. "We voted for the union a year ago," he said. "We need job security in a good union contract. Right now, I haven't been called back, likely due to my union involvement."
Concerns about retaliation against pro-union workers, particularly Jamaican and Mexican immigrants, are also highlighted. The UFW is continuing its organizing efforts, with additional certification filings and anticipated future votes.
Photo Credit: istock-rixipix
Categories: New York, Government & Policy