Agricultural workers employed at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic, New York, USA have made history with the registration of the first agricultural workers union in New York State, IUF Affiliate RWDSU/UFCW Local 338. New union member Rodolfo M. explained why he and his coworkers organized: “My coworkers at Pindar and I joined Local 338 because we want dignity and respect. Our work should be valued and only by receiving equal treatment and things like sick days and paid time off to spend with our loved ones will it be. We know that being a union member will help us get the recognition we deserve for all of our efforts.”
- In 1935, the United States passed the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) which officially excluded agricultural workers from labour rights protections
- For decades agricultural workers were deprived of many basic workplace protections before New York State passed The Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act in 2019 which grants agricultural workers the right to organize and bargain collectively
- The IUF recently released a report which emphasizes the ongoing importance of ILO Convention 11 for the right to organize for agricultural workers globally
John Durso, President of RWDSU/UFCW Local 338, stated, “We are incredibly proud to represent the workers at Pindar Vineyards and are looking forward to securing a strong collective bargaining agreement.”
