Page 132 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK
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State Policies – Page
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about farm labor conditions.
Michigan does not have a labor relations law for
farm workers that establishes the parameters for conducting union representation elections and labor contract negotiations. Farm workers have begun to use basic contract law as the basis for achieving successful labor agreements.
The lack of an agricultural labor relations law allows union organizers of farm workers an exceptional advantage by allowing consumer and secondary boycotts of perishable farm commodities. We are not opposed to removing the agricultural labor exemption from the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and prefer this action over enactment of a state agricultural labor relations act.
We call for legislation to protect the rights of the workers, farmers and consumers against the loss of crops during labor disputes. While we are opposed to a separate agricultural labor relations board, we believe a separate counsel and staff, cognizant and understanding of the challenges of agriculture, should be designated if the agriculture exemption to the NLRA is stricken. Such legislation should:
Preserve the right of secret ballot elections for farm workers.
Prohibit secondary boycotts.
Include workable provisions on bargaining units. Prohibit strikes by workers during critical periods of growing and harvesting.
Guarantee the right of agricultural employers to reduce labor needs through mechanization. Ensure that such legislation shall not include any requirement for a successor clause in a labor contract.
Ensure the continuation of the piece rate of payment for workers.
Ensure the equal opportunity to work without being forced to join a union or be required to finance or collect on behalf of a union.
Ensure that organizing activities do not infringe on the safety of the workers’ and employers’ lives and property.
Ensure union organizing activities do not interfere with normal agriculture production.
Ensure if a union agreement is in effect, money from workers’ dues could not be used for political issues, candidates or parties without the individual union member’s authorization.
In lieu of such legislation, we support legislation to grant each state the option of being covered by the
