Current Press Releases

UNITED FARM WORKERS UNION ENDORSES PROP 2 TO STOP ANIMAL CRUELTY

UFW President Arturo Rodriguez says Prop 2 embodies the spirit of the Farm Worker Movement

Sacramento, CA - August 26. 2008 – The United Farm Workers today announced its endorsement of Prop 2, joining the Consumer Federation of America, the California Veterinary Medical Association, The Humane Society of the United States, The Center for Food Safety, the Sierra Club, the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, family farmers and other organizations and individuals in support of phasing out the worst factory farming abuses perpetrated on animals raised for food. Prop 2 is a modest measure that would protect farm animals from inhumane confinement. It simply allows certain farm animals to stand up, turn around, and stretch their limbs.

“At a time when farm workers are making tremendous sacrifices in the fields of California, we recognize the importance of supporting Prop 2, the type of sensible reform that improves public health and stops the worst animal cruelty on factory farms,” said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez. “The founding principles of Prop 2 are the same as that of the Farm Worker Movement, built on the vision of Cesar Chavez. During his lifetime, he championed ‘kindness and compassion toward all living things.’ He said: ‘We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.’”

The UFW, founded in 1962 by Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta, and often described as the conscience of the labor movement for its inspiring fight for low-wage working families, is the first successful farm labor union in the history of the United States. Throughout its 40 year history, the UFW has worked to organize farm workers, raise wages and improve working conditions for its members and all farm workers.

“We are extremely grateful for the UFW’s support, especially this year, while farm workers everywhere fight for justice and better working conditions. They have embraced Prop 2 as a modest proposal and have recognized that it’s just wrong to confine veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg‐laying hens in tiny cages barely larger than their bodies,” said YES! on Prop 2 campaign manager Jennifer Fearing. “We look forward to working together to improve conditions for animals and workers on California’s factory farms.”

The American Public Health Association has called for a moratorium on new factory farms because of well-documented human health risks. Factory farm waste is known to contaminate water supplies and harm air quality. Central Valley neighbors of Prop 2 opposition contributor Olivera Egg Ranch, for example, are suffering devastating impacts on their health and quality of life due to toxic ammonia emissions from the factory farm’s waste. Passing Prop 2 is one step toward instilling some basic responsibility and holding factory farming operations accountable for their actions.

Yes on Prop. 2 – Californians for Humane Farms, sponsored by The Humane Society of the US, Farm Sanctuary and other animal protection groups, family farmers, veterinarians and public health professionals. For more information, visit YESonProp2.com.