Immigrant farmworkers sign first UFW Union contract in New York

President Trump ’s recent announcement regarding the exile of immigrants to Guantánamo Bay has conjure conversation across various sector . Concurrently , a celebrated development occurred in upstate New York ’s apple orchards where immigrant farmworkers sign the first United Farm Workers ( UFW ) union contract in the state . This contract bridge extends protections to approximately 150 proletarian , regardless of their ancestry or legal condition , tag a new chapter for the legendary California - based union .

UFW organizer Gabriella Szpunt emphasized , " It does n’t matter if they hybridise through the desert or if they come through a guest worker program . At the oddment of the day , they ’re all face for the same thing : something better for their fellowship . " The declaration faced legal challenge from farm grouping query the rightfield of guest workers to unionize , but the court upheld these rights , setting a precedent amid growing bit of H-2A visa worker .

UFW ’s expansion includes eight extra contracts in New York , muse a tolerant organizing pushing despite an anti - immigrant stance in Washington , D.C. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem launched a cause targeting immigrant , and recent ICE actions highlight on-going challenges for farmworker militant .

The UFW ’s travail align with diachronic motion head by founders like Cesar Chavez , though unionization rates have declined across industries . agrarian worker , often lacking legal piece of work authorization , face unique barriers to organizing . New York recently extended protections to farmworkers , remind a surge in organise activeness .

UFW ’s focus in New York ’s apple orchards , in particular at Cahoon Farms , involved civilise workers about novel legal protections . The organizing process faced time lag due to a case challenging client worker sexual union right field , but the state prevailed , affirming these rights . The qualified UFW contract include earnings increases , bonuses , and provision for job security .

Armando Elenes of UFW say , " That was of import because we believe that every doer , no matter what your status is , should have the right wing to machinate . " The jointure ’s efforts continue across New York farms , with personal digital assistant pilot increase fears among workers post - Trump election .

Valdez from Food Chain Workers Alliance noted that legal protection are critical , but farmworkers have long organized through various means . Griffiths , a Jamaican worker at Cahoon , expressed empowerment from the North , emphasizing respect over pecuniary profit . The ongoing organizing efforts target to provide farmworkers with a example that suits their needs .

Source : Civil Eats