'Fundamentally immoral': Advocates decry Mills' veto of farmworker unionization bill

Advocates blasted Gov. Janet Mills’ veto of a bill that would have allowed farmworkers in Maine the opportunity to unionize, calling the decision to nix a measure to provide agricultural employees with the same rights other workers have long enjoyed “fundamentally immoral” and “an absolute disgrace.”

As Beacon previously reported, the bill — LD 151 — was passed by the legislature in July but held by Mills for months. Mills was able to delay action on the bill because the legislature adjourned soon after passing it. However, after lawmakers returned to Augusta on Wednesday for the start of the second session of the 130th Legislature, Mills had three days to make a decision on LD 151 or else allow it to become law without her signature. She vetoed the bill Friday.

LD 151 would have given farmworkers in Maine the opportunity to unionize and collectively bring employment concerns to their bosses without fear of retaliation. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Thom Harnett (D-Gardiner), was part of an effort during the last legislative session to extend labor rights to workers who have historically been exempted.

“I’m just stunned that in 2022, we keep in place two sets of laws, two sets of rules,” Harnett said in an interview after Mills’ decision. “One that protects all working men and women in Maine and in the country except for farmworkers. And another set of rules that specifically and historically and intentionally has excluded farmworkers, who are traditionally Black, Indigenous and people of color.”

Read more: https://mainebeacon.com/fundamentally-immoral-advocates-decry-mills-veto-of-farmworker-unionization-bill/