Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoes UFW's SB789

We need to share some very disappointing news with you. Late yesterday, California Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB789.

We are disappointed, but we are not surprised. It has unfortunately become very clear that the governor has no idea what it is like to work in the fields as a farm worker.

His decision to veto SB789 emphasizes the deep disconnection between his words and the reality that hundreds of thousands of farm workers have to endure every day while harvesting the fruits and vegetables that feed America. The governor says that knows that farm workers are subjected to sexual harassment, heat illness, abuses and intimidation at the workplace. He has acknowledged this problem and promised to change the situation.

Yet, again and again, he has failed to protect farm workers. Instead, he continues to support employers who are responsible for at least 95% of the reported violations during union election campaigns.

Please take a moment and send a message to Governor Schwarzenegger and let him know how disappointed you are.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am deeply disappointed in you. You have talked many times about protecting farm workers from the abuses in the fields. However, every time you have a chance to make a difference in their lives, you have chosen to veto the bill that can protect them--and instead protect agribusiness.

Your decision to veto SB789 emphasizes the deep disconnection between your words and the reality. You are aware of the abuses that hundreds of thousands of farm workers have to endure every day while harvesting California's fruits and vegetables. You know that farm workers are subjected to sexual harassment, heat illness, abuses and intimidation at the workplace. You've acknowledged this problem and promised to change the situation.

Yet, again and again, you have failed to protect farm workers. Instead, you continue to support employers who are responsible for at least 95% of the reported violations during union election campaigns.

I'm tired of your excuses. You know the laws on the books are not the laws in the fields and that the only recourse for farm workers to protect themselves would have been through the collective bargaining process as provided for in SB789.

Your hypocrisy is a deep disappointment.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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