August 12, 2002

Dear Friend:

We appreciate your strong support for the UFW. Your continued efforts will help us bring equality and justice to California’s agricultural fields.

Last week the California Legislature approved a bill that would level the playing field between growers and agricultural workers when negotiating union contracts. Governor Davis’ signature is now all the bill needs to ensure that all farm workers who organize for union representation are allowed to negotiate fair contracts with their employers. However, despite the fact that Governor Davis granted this provision to agricultural workers at California race tracks, he has expressed concerns about extending this right to the rest of California’s farm workers.

We need to convince Governor Davis to sign the bill. The UFW has begun a major mobilization to demonstrate to Governor Davis the importance of SB 1736 to the thousands of farm workers who want to organize and obtain a union contract. Arturo Rodriguez, UFW president, will be marching with farm workers and supporters in a 150 mile, 10-day “March for Equality” from Merced to Sacramento. It will begin August 15 and end Sunday, August 25 with a rally in front of the State Capitol.

We ask that you join us for the huge rally on Sunday, August 25. It will be critical to turn out people for the Sacramento event.

The farm workers will be continuing a daily vigil in Sacramento and beginning a fast at the Capitol.

Thank you for your support and assistance.



Sincerely,

Irv Hershenbaum

First Vice President