The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) has applauded the recent decision by the 5th District Court of Appeal ordering the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) to count the employee ballots cast in their 2013 decertification election. 

“This has been a long time coming. We are encouraged and pleased to see the Court account for the most important opinion in this entire matter, the prerogative of the employees," Radanovich said.

Gerawan employees voted in a decertification election in November 2013 to decide whether or not to decertify from the United Farm Workers Union.

Despite the fact the ALRB ordered and oversaw the decertification election, the results were impounded, denying recognition and acceptance of their decision, a CFFA release said.

"Today’s court action would not have occurred without the determined effort of Gerawan Farming, Inc., the Gerawan family, and in particular, company President Dan Gerawan for defending his company and his employee’s right to choose," Radanovich said.

"Finally sunlight has been cast onto this injustice and the farmworkers voice will be heard."

Related story: Can California force “collective bargaining agreement” on growers, employees?

www.freshfruitportal.com