Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1480924
O N L Y T W O D A Y S before the bill would have died on his desk, Gov. Gavin New- som signed AB 2183 (Stone) into law in late September, expanding union rights for farmworkers and writing a triumphant end to an historic campaign. T h e g o v e r n o r h a d p r e v i o u s l y announc ed hi s int ention to veto th e CTA-endorsed bill , w hich gives more choices to farmworkers voting to form a union and guarantees the right to vote in secret and free from intimidation. is after United Farm Workers (UFW) and supporters completed a 335-mile march in August through California's Central Valley, in triple-digit temperatures, and then camped out at the State Capitol in a collective call to sign the bill. When it seemed like AB 2183 was cer- tain to die on his desk, Newsom reached an agreement with UFW and the Cal- ifornia Labor Federation on clarifying language he wanted considered by the Legislature next session and he signed the bill into law. Farmworkers and sup- porters camping outside the Capitol were shocked and openly wept when Newsom walked up with the signed bill in hand. "California's farmworkers are the life- blood of our state, and they have the fundamental right to unionize and advo- cate for themselves in the workplace," Newsom said in a statement after signing. UFW leaders say they look for ward t o w o r k i n g w i t h t h e g o v e r n o r a n d Legislative Update By Julian Peeples CTA leaders support the UFW marchers at the State Capitol. From left: CTA President E. Toby Boyd, Natomas Teachers Association President Mara Harvey and PAC chair Nico Vaccaro, and CTA board members Shelly Gupton and Mike Patterson. Governor expands farmworker union rights, protects retired educators Legislature to make the agreed-upon changes that will ease implementation of AB 2183, so farmworkers can participate in elections free from intimidation and deportation beginning next year. "Farmworkers across the state orga- nized and sacrificed to make their voices heard and to pass AB 2183," UFW tweeted upon the bill's signing. "California — and many parts of the country — heard their voices. Farmworkers felt the deep and his- toric solidarity from all parts of California and all across the nation." Educators joined farmworkers in the fight and on the 24-day long march, with CTA District H Board Member Jesse Agu- ilar walking the first 12-mile segment from UFW headquarters in Delano to Richgrove. Along the way, CTA members, locals and ser vice centers joined the march and supported the cause, includ- ing donating supplies and funds. "We made great efforts in the Central Valley to support the UFW," says CTA Dis- trict F Board Member Eva Ruiz. e voices of support grew as AB 2183 sat on the governor's desk, with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi joining the call to sign the bill – the last of whom sent a congratulatory tweet to farmworkers, in English and Spanish: "is is an historic and joyous victory for the California farm workers who keep us fed. Esta es una victoria histórica y dichosa para los trabajadores agrícolas de California que nos alimentan!" Newsom Signs CTA-Sponsored Retirement Bills On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom enhanced the retirement security of retired California educators, signing into law AB 1667 (Cooper) and SB 868 (Cortese). AB 1667 exempts retirees from any reimbursement obligation resulting from overpayment of benefits due to erroneous information provided to CalSTRS by the school district or reporting agency, among other protections. SB 868 protects the purchasing power of California's oldest retired teachers while maintaining the fiscal integrity of CalSTRS. Thanks to all who worked to pass these import- ant pieces of legislation that protect our retired educators. 41 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2 Advocacy