CALIFORNIA’S LABOR RELATIONS BOARD SIDES WITH UFW
The dispute between Charles Krug Winery and United Farm Workers came to a head last Friday (July 7) when California’s state agricultural labor relations board sided with the union.
UFW had filed unfair labor practices with the agricultural board after Charles Krug refused to renew contracts with 36 union vineyard workers. After the winery fired 27 employees on Friday, the fate of UFW representation at Krug will be determined by an administrative law judge.
Many wineries today have opted to turn over operations and hiring responsibilities to a land manager or vineyard management company, which is what Charles Krug has done. The winery contracted Jack Neal & Son, a land management company, to overlook its vineyards and provide labor.
Krug’s CFO, Thomas Fossey, told the Napa Valley Register several weeks ago that their decision to switch over to a land manager was “not based on the economics but on logistics of running high quality vineyards."
Many critics of UFW argue that union involvement is not necessary in Napa Valley. They believe that because the grapes grown in the valley are premium quality, farm workers are treated and compensated better than anywhere else in California.
However, others point out that few contractors provide workers with medical, vacation, retirement or any other benefits, and often tap illegal workers from Mexico.
UFW had filed unfair labor practices with the agricultural board after Charles Krug refused to renew contracts with 36 union vineyard workers. After the winery fired 27 employees on Friday, the fate of UFW representation at Krug will be determined by an administrative law judge.
Many wineries today have opted to turn over operations and hiring responsibilities to a land manager or vineyard management company, which is what Charles Krug has done. The winery contracted Jack Neal & Son, a land management company, to overlook its vineyards and provide labor.
Krug’s CFO, Thomas Fossey, told the Napa Valley Register several weeks ago that their decision to switch over to a land manager was “not based on the economics but on logistics of running high quality vineyards."
Many critics of UFW argue that union involvement is not necessary in Napa Valley. They believe that because the grapes grown in the valley are premium quality, farm workers are treated and compensated better than anywhere else in California.
However, others point out that few contractors provide workers with medical, vacation, retirement or any other benefits, and often tap illegal workers from Mexico.
posted at 10:44 AM
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