The ALRA at 50

"The greatest accomplishment of my Administration was the enactment of a farm labor relations law." Jerry Brown, California Governor, 1975–83 and 2011–19.

The Agricultural Labor Relations Act in June 1975 was enacted to “ensure peace in the agricultural fields by guaranteeing justice for all agricultural workers and stability in labor relations.” Farm worker union activity peaked in the 1970s, when there were collective bargaining agreements on 200 farms and unions claimed 70,000 members. California farm worker unions today represent about 5,000 farm workers on two dozen farms. The ALRA was amended in 2002 to allow the ALRB can impose a collective bargaining agreement if the parties cannot negotiate a CBA (MMC) and in 2022 to allow unions to be certified to represent farm workers via card check (employee signatures) in addition to secret ballot elections.

The morning panels review a half century of change in California agriculture, including farm labor demand, supply, and labor market operation with a special focus on the farm workers of the 21st century. The afternoon panels examine ALRB activities today, followed by reflections from past and current Board members and of Governor Jerry Brown, followed by reception in the law school courtyard.

There is no charge to participate, but you must register before May 15, 2025.

We are grateful for the support of the ALRB, USDA’s ERS and OCE, the Giannini and Walmart Foundations, and the UCD Gifford Center and WACHS.

Host or Publisher Phil Martin