Daily Kos: L.A. school board tells Gerawan to honor its workers’ UFW contract

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/02/10/1363659/-L-A-school-board-tells-Gerawan-to-honor-its-workers-UFW-contract

TUE FEB 10, 2015 AT 04:28 PM PST

Vows to monitor the grower’s compliance with the law

Los Angeles Unified School District's Board of Governors joined an epic battle by farm workers to implement their union contract with a giant Central Valley grower by voting 6-0 for a resolution instructing its procurement office to monitor and report on whether Gerawan Farming complies with fair labor practices before contracts with the grape and tree fruit producer are approved by the board.

The L.A. school board resolution also called on Gerawan Farming to honor a union contract issued in 2013 by a neutral mediator and approved by the state. LAUSD through its suppliers has purchased PRIMA-label produce from Gerawan for its 1,270 schools and 907,000 students. Gerawan is avoiding millions of dollars in pay increases and other benefits already owed its workers by refusing to honor the contract with the United Farm Workers.



One hundred Gerawan farm workers traveled from Fresno by bus, joining UFW President Arturo S. Rodriguez in handing board members a petition signed by more than 10,000 people backing the resolution. Gerawan worker Juan Pablo Luna was one of the Gerawan workers. "I feel very happy that I participated today,” he said. “We are proud that the school board requested that Prima respect our contract and respect the law. I want to thank the Los Angeles school district. We hope this serves as a good example so other school districts will support us. Additionally, I'm thankful for the farm worker supporters whose donations made this trip possible."

FULL story at link.