JUSTICE FOR FARMWORKERS

September 14, 2009

Dear friends,

Many of you have approached or emailed us over the past few days to ask what happened in Albany on and since Thursday, Sept. 10.  The answer is complicated.  Basically, the Senate leadership failed to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, but—thanks to those who called and faxed (many thousands!) Senator Sampson, and to those who journeyed from all across the state to join us in Albany—we have progress to report.

About 25-30 of us journeyed to Albany to gather in our red shirts outside the Senate chamber, eager to witness history. (See the Sept. 9 editorial from the New York Times. )  A farmworker from Sullivan County hand-delivered a letter to Senator Sampson, the Leader of the Democratic Conference, asking him to put the bill on the agenda (a copy of the letter was posted by the Albany Times Union here: http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/18003/farmworkers-group-bemoans-lack-of-action/).  And then we waited and waited in the lobby, meeting briefly with members of the Senate as they passed into and out of the Senate chamber--all supporters of equal rights. 

Finally, Senator Sampson emerged with Majority Leader Espada and the senator whose vocal opposition to the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act was largely responsible for keeping the bill off of Thursday's agenda.  Together they promised:  although the bill wouldn't be on their agenda for the day, they would take it up during the next two months.  They shook the hands of the farmworkers and allies gathered, promising action, and returned to the Senate chamber.

The Senate leadership's failure to deliver on Thursday must be called that, a failure. (See for example, the Sept. 14 editorial, "Pedro ducks and covers" in the NY Daily News.)  But they still have an opportunity to do the right thing in the coming weeks.  And our allies throughout the faith and labor communities will encourage them in every way possible to make good on their pledge.

Thank you for your prayers, phone calls, passion, and willingness to be an ally.  Last week's progress simply wouldn't have happened without your vigilance.  We will be in touch.

Onward and upward!

Jordan Wells, coordinator of the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign, Rural & Migrant Ministry

Last Updated: 09/17/2009
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