1992/10/01 by Theo J. Majka, Linda C. Majka · 9 citations
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · Engineering · #Labor Movements and Unions #Race, History, and American Society #American Political and Social Dynamics #Collective bargaining #Farm workers #Politics #Governor #Political science #Labor relations #Labor history #Labor union #Political economy #Industrial relations #Labour economics #Economics #Agriculture #Law #Geography #Engineering
paper · doi:10.1177/089692059201900301
published in Critical Sociology 19(3), 3-36 (SAGE Publishing)
openalex publication_date 1992/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01
This paper interprets the reversal of the farm labor movement in California during the 1980s as part of an overall decline in a general cycle of protest as well as a reversal of opportunities for changes in class relations that this movement stimulated. More specifically, three factors account for the failure of collective bargaining to become fully established in California's agribusiness. The United Farm Workers union (UFW) experienced a serious internal crisis during the late 1970s that resulted in the departure of key officials and staff members. A change in administration in the governor's office led to the appointment of officials antagonistic to farm labor unionization. In this climate, grower tactics to prevent or delay unionization became more effective.