AP: UFW: Grower wrongly fired 8 farmworkers

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11792714

The Associated Press
Posted: 02/26/2009 02:01:46 PM PST

VISALIA, Calif.—The United Farm Workers has accused a major lettuce grower of firing eight farmworkers because they were advocating for better working conditions in the fields.

Tanimura & Antle rejects the claim filed by the union on Wednesday with the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

Organizer Armando Elenes said the employees had been with the company for at least eight years, and worked in various positions at its ranch in Tres Picos. Union representatives met with seven of the eight workers to advise them over the last year, Elenes said.

An attorney for Tamimura & Antle said the company cut the eight positions because a severe drought forced them and many other farms to reduce their staff in the San Joaquin Valley.

"These position eliminations were the result of a careful evaluation of each employee's performance, contributions, skills, and consecutive years of service," attorney Carmen Ponce said. "Absent a water shortage, no position would have been eliminated."

FULL story at link.