For a couple of years, Sen. Steinberg has been pushing a bill to allow farm workers to organize in a way that is actually feasible.  You see, the traditional method of organizing can be rather difficult over thousands of acres of corporate farm land. I’ve called it the California Employee Free Choice Act, but really it is more basic, and critical to these workers.

Well, fortunately, it was passed this week as SB 104 and will head to the Governor’s desk soon.  From the United Farm Workers (UFW):

Without this bill, farm workers will continue to face unbearable conditions and pressure. Many workers don’t have access to basic things like shade, water, heat training or even breaks during the hot summer days. And nothing will change. Wage and hour violations will continue. Overexposure to pesticides will go unchallenged. Sexual harassment will remain rampant and the health crises caused by a lack of sanitation and lax safety standards will continue to plague farm workers.

This is a big step forward for California, even as we move back in other areas.  In fact, you might have heard a few words from Chris Bowers at dKos about this issue in your inbox.  Please consider signing UFW’s petition to the Governor.  With farmworkers literally dying in the fields, they desperately need the strength offered by the union.