United Farm Workers Endorse Kamala Harris as Running Mate of Joe Biden

Strategic Insights -

The United Farm Workers (UFW) have expressed their enthusiasm for the selection of Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's vice presidential running mate. President Teresa Romero praised Harris's vision for a just and inclusive America, emphasizing her commitment to overtime pay and immigration reform for farm workers. The UFW has a long history of working with Harris, who has championed their cause as a US senator and California attorney general, introducing legislation to provide overtime pay for agricultural workers and authoring the federal bill currently in effect.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kamala Harris has a strong track record of supporting farm workers' rights, dating back to her time as California's attorney general and US senator.
  • Harris has introduced legislation to provide phased-in overtime and strengthen state rules to prevent worker deaths and illnesses from extreme heat.
  • Joe Biden has pledged to reverse any attempts by Trump to cut farm worker pay under the H-2A agricultural guest worker program.
  • The UFW has organized 100,000 public comments opposing Trump's attempts to reduce farm worker wages, with Harris joining their efforts.
  • Both Biden and Harris support the Agricultural Worker Program Act, which includes "blue cards" for undocumented farm workers.
  • Harris has campaigned alongside the UFW, attending their 2016 convention and participating in marches to support farm worker rights.

Statistics:

  • 100,000 public comments were organized by the UFW to oppose Trump's attempts to reduce farm worker wages.
  • 8 hours a day is the threshold for overtime pay for agricultural workers under the federal bill currently in effect.
  • 2016 is the year California's landmark law on overtime pay for farm workers was signed by the governor.
  • 2016 is also the year the UFW convention was held, where Harris was in attendance.

Sources:

  • "United Farm Workers Appear to Endorse Kamala Harris for VP", News article (no date).
  • Statement from the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), issued by President Teresa Romero.
  • "Kamala Harris's record on immigration and labor, explained", Vox (no date).