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UFW hails speakers, history, its future

By JUAN ESPARZA LOERA / Vida En El Valle

FRESNO -- From the time United Farm Workers secretary-treasurer Tanis Ybarra opened the union's 18th Constitutional Convention at 9:30 a.m. last Friday until UFW president Arturo S. Rodríguez closed the show Sunday afternoon shortly after more than 1,500 delegates and supporters gave Sen. Hillary Clinton a rousing salute, the discussion focused on the historical significance of the three-day event.

"Oh my God, this was really historic," said Rodríguez shortly after sending off Clinton to the Democratic National Convention with a box of the union's newly introduced Black Eagle Wine.

True to form, the convention brought out the heavyweights -- Clinton, Congressman Robert F. Kennedy Jr., UNITE HERE International president Bruce Raynor, former Assembly Speaker Fabián Núñez, and UFW icon Dolores Huerta -- as well as first-time delegates, but longtime UFW supporters, from D'Arrigo Farms who finally won a union election after a three-decade battle.

If the delegates didn't realize it, Rodríguez was ready to remind them that having Gaspar Rivera, president of the Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales, was important in reaching out to the Oaxacan community for mutual support. Of course, Rodríguez made sure he alerted the Oaxacan guests that incoming secretary-treasurer Sergio Guzmán is from Oaxaca.

"It sends a strong message that Oaxacans are united with the rest of us to bring about strong change throughout the country," said Rodríguez.

For many, the real highlight was Clinton's appearance Sunday afternoon. Despite a false alarm that interrupted her 13-minute speech -- and a gaffe when she marveled at how presumed Democratic presidential candidate Barrack Obama and the UFW share the same slogan ("Sí Se Puede," or, "Yes, It Can Be Done," has been used by the union since its founding in 1962 while Obama began using it earlier this year) -- Clinton was warmly received.

After thanking the UFW for endorsing her presidential campaign -- the union originally supported former Sen. John Edwards before he dropped out, then threw its support behind Clinton at a Jan. 24 rally in Salinas, before settling on Obama after he secured the delegates needed to clinch the nomination -- the former First Lady told them to support Obama.

"I've seen his passion and determination, his grit and grace, and I know that he has lived the American dream," said Clinton. "And now it is time for us to have a president again who believes that every person is entitled to be given the chance to fulfill his or her dreams, and that is what Sen. Obama will do as our president."

Clinton's appearance marked only the second time a sitting U.S. Senator has addressed the convention. Sen. Edward Kennedy took part in the 1973 convention at Selland Arena.

Another Kennedy took the time to explain the deep bonds that exist between the union and the Kennedy clan. "When my dad came to visit César (Chávez) during his fast, he told César he was running for president," said the Congressman.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaking on Saturday morning, called on the union members to support Obama for president.

The politician who can help the union the most, however, is Núñez, who has introduced legislation that would make it easier for the union to win organizing campaigns by allowing workers to sign cards in lieu of secret-ballot voting. The union claims companies too often coerce workers to vote against the union in secret-ballot elections.

"The only way to save farmworker lives is to unify so that they can protect themselves and prevent these deaths in the fields," said Núñez in Spanish on Saturday.

He was referring to the six heat-related deaths the union blames on the state's inability to enforce laws that were pushed by the UFW and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005 to prevent such deaths.

Núñez screened his documentary, 'California's Harvest of Shame,' which he said will be used to encourage the governor to sign AB 2386, his bill that would change how farmworkers vote on representation.

"Farmworkers in the field are clearly not receiving the full protection of the law," said Núñez in a statement supporting the bill. "The clearest examples of this are the tragic heat-related deaths of 15 farmworkers -- six this summer alone -- since California's heat illness regulation requiring employers to provide minimal safeguards such as shade, water, adequate rest periods and trading was adopted in 2005."

Convention notes

Among the seven resolutions the delegates passed were some pushing for immigration reform that would undocumented residents to become legal citizens, encourage members to become more politically active, honor Robert F. Kennedy for his support of Chávez's fast in 1968, recognize Sen. Edward M. Kennedy for his longtime support of the union, and encourage the union to create a guest farmworker program that protects the jobs of those already in the United States as well as to safeguard the rights of guest workers.

The union's entry into the guest farmworker program was a point of contention for former UFW member Al Rojas of Sacramento. He and other supporters unfurled a large banner condemning the union for such a move. Rojas also distributed a four-page newspaper criticizing the union for working with foreign governments that suppress worker rights.

Monterey Diocese Bishop Ricardo García, who was joined by longtime UFW supporter Father Gregory Boyle, conducted mass on Sunday morning. Among those helping the bishop during the mass was Ricardo Estrada of Los Ángeles. A choir from Delano also performed.

Rodríguez told delegates the next convention scheduled in 2012 might be held at the union's historic Forty Acres compound near Delano. He also said that Obama is working on a visiting with the farmworkers later this year prior to the November presidential election.

"It's just a question of time," he said.

Send e-mail to: jesparza@vidaenelvalle.com