The peach farmer vs the labor union: Gerawan hearing finally finishes

[Omaha Steve]

X post in Labor & Socialist-Progressive

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102503711

Jeff Daniels | @jeffdanielsca
Friday, 13 Mar 2015 | 2:11 PM ET

After nearly six months of testimony, hearings in California on alleged unfair labor practices at America's biggest peach grower finally closed on Thursday—and sparks flew all the way to the end of the hearing and beyond.


Source: Gerawan Farming


As CNBC first reported in 2013, Gerawan Farming was surprised when the United Farm Workers (UFW) union resurfaced in 2012—after a 20-year absence—to demand negotiations on a labor contract for more than 3,000 farm workers at one of the world's largest fruit growers.

The hearings in the dispute started in September 2014 before Mark Soble, an administrative law judge with the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB). More than 130 witnesses were called over 105 days in Fresno, California, making it the longest ag labor hearing in state history. A decision is expected later this year.


Scott Smith | AP
Dan Gerawan


The ALRB's general counsel attorneys, who are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the case, have charged that Gerawan carried out unfair labor practices, engaged in bad-faith bargaining, and assisted and supported workers in an effort to decertify the union.

FULL story at link. Video: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000334333