California farmworkers used to have the right to fair union elections that included a secret ballot. But under a new state law, signing a union card as part of a "card check" organizing effort has new consequences for farmworkers:

1. No secret ballot election. Under card check, there is no opportunity to use a secret ballot to vote for a different union, to form a new union or decide not to have a union. Also, the card you sign today can be used wherever you work for the next 12 months.
2. If the government certifies a union using the card check procedures, you will be required to follow union rules and dues and fees will be deducted from your paycheck even though you didn’t get an opportunity to vote in a secret ballot election.
3. If the government certifies a union, a union can demand your employer fire you if you refuse to give up part of your paycheck to that union - even though it may not be the union you wanted or that you and your fellow employees wanted to form.
4. A union that is certified under the card check procedures does not need your permission to decide contract terms that dictate your pay, benefits and other terms of employment.

Get the facts before you sign a union card.

Additional Resources for Farmworkers:

• Water, Rest, Shade. California Heat Illness Prevention Campaign
• Farmworker Rights
• Protect Yourself Against Scams and Fraud
• Protections for Agricultural Workers
• Register to Vote
• UC Davis Farmworker Training and Outreach
• Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health Resources