RE: Something big happening in Salinas Valley Monday
There are many signs most of the fresh fruit and vegetable harvest will shut down Monday in the Salinas Valley as farm workers by the thousands join immigration reform marches in Salinas. Out of dozens of UFW-organized protests in four states on May 1, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez is spending most of the day with farm workers gathering in Salinas from Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.
We won’t know for certain until early Monday morning, but this is what we do know:
—The UFW arranged with union contract wine grape, strawberry and mushroom companies to let their workers take a full or half day off on May 1.
—Speaking with UFW organizers, many farm workers at non-union strawberry and vegetable companies said they would quit work Monday and join marches being organized by the union and other groups. Then the UFW spoke with employer representatives, who advised growers to give workers the day off.
Monday, May 1 plans:
10 a.m.—Most farm workers will assemble at Closter Park on Towt St. at Dewey St. in east Salinas, one of four locations where marchers will begin.
11-11:30 a.m. (approx.)—The four columns of marchers will converge at the corner of Alisal St. and Sanborn Rd. in the heart of Salinas for a brief water break before becoming one march.
12 noon-12:30 p.m. (approx.)—March ends at Constitution Soccer Complex, 1440 Constitution Blvd. (at East Laurel Dr. & Constitution Blvd.) in Salinas for a rally and music.
4 p.m.—A second march starts and ends at Constitution Soccer Complex (see address above).
– end –