Calif. bill would ease unionization of farmworkers

By DON THOMPSON Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California lawmakers are moving ahead with a bill that would make it easier for farmworkers to unionize.

The legislation criticized by the business community passed the Senate on Thursday. It now goes to the Assembly.

The bill would let field laborers organize by submitting the signatures of a majority of workers to a state board, rather than holding a polling place election.

Passage would mark a victory for labor unions during a year in which their influence is being eroded in statehouses around the country.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, vetoed similar bills four times. Supporters believe it has a better chance under Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat.

Republican lawmakers say union organizers could pressure farmworkers into signing cards that say they want union representation.