University of California

7/22/97 Release -- Western Growers Association 

SALINAS, CALIF. (July 22, 1997) -- Western Growers Association today filed additional Unfair Labor Practice charges against the United Farm Workers union and B & G Berry Corp. for interference with workers’ rights.

The charges were filed with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) in Salinas, Calif. WGA alleges that B & G Berry Corp. workers were paid by the company to meet with the UFW. A violation of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act occurs when an employer provides something of value to a union seeking to represent its employees.

"Paying workers to meet with the union on company time creates the impression that B & G Berry expects workers to support the UFW," said WGA President David Moore. "These payments clearly serve to benefit the union and its organizing efforts. WGA believes this action to be unlawful."

These charges are based on reports from workers that they were provided the opportunity to meet with the union while on the clock. The UFW reportedly sent one of its top officers to the B & G Berry field in order to persuade workers to support the union.

In its first Unfair Labor Practice charge against the UFW and B & G Berry Corp., WGA alleged that the union and the company entered into an unlawful back room deal outlining the timing and details for a pro-union election. This charge is still under investigation by the ALRB.

WGA anticipates that the ALRB will investigate and render a decision on both of the charges that will require the union and employer to end any intimidation and coercion of the workers and cancel any pre-determined election.

WGA is an agricultural trade association whose members grow, pack and ship 90 percent of the fresh vegetables and about 60 percent of the fresh fruits and nuts in Arizona and California.