| Press Release |
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| December 1, 2006 |
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Governor applauds Threemile Canyon Farms union agreement
The contract with United Farm Workers recognizes 250 dairy workers
Salem, Oregon—Governor Ted Kulongoski today praised the agreement between Threemile Canyon Farms and the United Farm Workers, which has led to the formal recognition of the union as the bargaining representative for 250 dairy workers in Boardman.
“This agreement can serve as a framework for collective bargaining in Oregon’s agricultural sector, providing stability for growers and fairness for farm workers,” the Governor said.
Farm workers are exempt from federal bargaining laws, and only a handful of states have laws that provide collective bargaining for farm workers. Legislation to establish collective bargaining for farm workers in Oregon has been introduced during recent legislative sessions, but has been stymied by conflicts between agricultural employers and farm worker advocates.
The Governor believes the Threemile Canyon agreement can serve as a model for farm worker bargaining legislation in Oregon. He noted that the agreement incorporated his recommendations for an agricultural labor relations law, including:
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employer neutrality in worker organizing drives;
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recognition of unions when a majority of workers sign union authorization cards; and
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resolution of disputes over the terms of a first contract by binding arbitration.
The workers employed at the Threemile Canyon facilities will now enter into negotiations of a first contract with the assurance that any disputes will be resolved by an arbitrator. Also, the union has agreed to work cooperatively with Threemile Canyon to promote the marketing and sales of its products.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor: 503-881-0491
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