United Farm Workers President Arturo S. Rodriguez issued the following statement from the union’s Keene, Calif. headquarters
In the face of presidential and congressional hostility toward immigrants, Nancy Pelosi stands out for her willingness to fight on everyone’s behalf. After eight years of animosity against immigrants in the House of Representatives, last week’s elections give us a chance to elect a champion as Speaker.
The United Farm Workers is excited about the prospect of Nancy Pelosi becoming Speaker of the House. Much has been said about Pelosi’s extraordinary gifts as a leader – her tough negotiating skills, her savvy about the legislative process and her thoughtful understanding of complex issues. What also stands out for the UFW is Pelosi’s deeply held values and her iron will to fight for those values.
Leader Pelosi believes with her words and actions that farm workers should receive equal and fair treatment, the same as other workers and other members of society.
Leader Pelosi has been a partner in our efforts for equal treatment of farm workers. She supported overtime pay for farm workers during our successful campaign in California and is a sponsor of our national proposal. She played a critical role ensuring farm workers won equal protections against harmful pesticides and is working now to preserve those equal rights presently under attack by the Trump administration. Leader Pelosi has fought for organizing rights for farm workers and for expanding health care coverage despite the obstacles. Leader Pelosi has steadfastly opposed weakening protections for farm workers who enter the United States through the agricultural guest worker H-2A program. Her actions have helped prevent attempts to reduce pay for all farm workers.
Finally, in a capital culture where money drives access, Leader Pelosi stands out for her open door. Whenever farm workers have come to the nation’s Capitol, she has opened her doors and stood shoulder to shoulder with farm workers. She has visited with farm workers and immigrants in Texas’ San Juan Valley and in California.