California farm workers march in support of workers’ rights legislation

Farm workers in California are nearing the end of a two-week march, demanding the Governor pass laws to protect their rights. For FSRN, George Lavender reports.

Members of the United Farm Workers union are on a 200 mile, 13-day march to the State Capitol in Sacramento. Two months ago, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed the Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act, which would have made it easier for farm workers to join a union. Hundreds of workers and their supporters have joined the march, to demand that he pass the legislation. Among them is Julieta Reyes, a UFW representative and farmworker.

“We are a few farm workers here, but there thousands back us waiting for justice, and I hope the Governor understand us and now it’s time signs this bill. Si se puede!”

The protesters are also demanding that Brown pass a bill that would guarantee farm workers some of the same rights as other workers in California, including the right to be paid overtime. The marchers will arrive in Sacramento on Sunday, where thousands of people are expected to join them for a rally. George Lavender, FSRN, Oakland.