Justice for Farmworkers Campaign
Grapes at the Table
Pindar Wines Needs to Join Farmworkers at the Bargaining Table
Background: The workers at Pindar Vineyards on Long Island are the first farmworkers in New York State to unionize. In 2020, they voted to join their union, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW which is a part of Agricultural Workers United, and have been working towards their first contract ever since. The union is asking that Pindar Vineyards enter mediation in order to complete a fair contract to give the workers. Pindar is refusing to negotiate.
Why is this critical? It took us, through the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign, over twenty years to get the Farm Laborer Fair Labor Practices Act passed in 2019. This Law removed an exclusion that went back over seventy years to the New Deal, when farmworkers were excluded from protections when bargaining collectively in New York State. Now they have that right. If the Pindar workers are successful in negotiating a contract, it will send a powerful message to farmworkers across the State that they too can organize & form a union to improve living and working conditions.
You are essential to this struggle! Farmworkers have always needed and appreciated allies who join them in their quest for justice. Allies were essential in the grape boycotts of the California vineyards. Now we are being asked to return and support vineyard workers in New York State.
1. In the spirit of Cesar Chavez, the grape workers of Pindar vineyards need you to stand Vigil with them for two hours on a weekend day. Come stand with the Trabajadores Agricolas Unidos and Rural & Migrant Ministry in front of the Vineyard in Peconic.
Ø Get in touch with Maria Del Mar at rmmmariap@gmail.com to sign up for a vigil slot in solidarity (We will then give you more logistical details)
2. Also, call or write to Pindar Vineyards (contact below) and tell them:
Ø Who you are and what congregation/organization you are a member of.
Ø You support the Pindar farmworkers and Local 338.
Ø You expect Pindar Vineyards to negotiate immediately and in good faith.
Ø You can only purchase Pindar wines if they are a union label.
Best numbers to call Pindar:
o (631) 734-6200 – Tasting Room and Winery (North Fork)
o (631) 734-6200 ext. 104 – Direct Contact Number
o (631) 331-7070 – Pindar Wine Store 117 Main St. Port Jefferson NY 11777
