Story, photos by Karem Rodriguez
After Gov. Gavin Newsom’s refusal to sign AB2183 last week, a bill that would give farmworkers more flexibility when voting for union elections, farmworkers and supporters have been holding a 24-hour vigil throughout the state, including San Francisco, to continue the pressure for the governor’s signature.
The vigil at San Francisco City Hall started last Monday, Aug. 29, and is being held by the United Farm Workers (UFW) and people from the community who take shifts during the day and night. The vigil is adorned by an altar decorated with candles, photos of Cesar Chavez and UFW flags. There is also a tent people can approach to express their support.
“We want people to know what is happening now. There was a lot of support and momentum during the farmworkers’ march to Sacramento but many people don’t know the governor is opposed to passing the bill, although it has already been passed by the Senate,” said Alicia Cruz, one of the organizers of the vigil in San Francisco. “We [don’t] want people [to] forget this isn’t over yet and [we want them to] urge Gov. [Newsom] to pass bill AB2183.”
Participants of the vigil want to spread the word about the efforts being made to support the passing of the bill. “Helping spread the word in social media I think is key, if Newsom vetoes the bill it’s gonna be really important to continue the fight and spread the message because we know a lot of people are somewhat familiar with the bill but [are] not sure of why it’s being opposed,” mentioned Sergio Monleon, who is also one of the people leading the vigil since its beginning.
The vigil will continue the rest of the week waiting for a favorable response from Gov. Newsom.
