Shedding No Tears for ‘Struggling’ Growers

Re “Farm Workers Urge Davis to Sign Binding Arbitration Bill,” Aug. 11:

The article states: “While the [union] views arbitration as a boon, farm groups say it could bankrupt already-struggling growers.” However, no numbers are provided as to how many struggling growers there may be.

Farm workers are struggling and have been for decades while making growers extremely rich. Jose Garcia said he earns less in inflation-adjusted dollars than he did as a teenager. On the other hand, the entire world knows wealthy growers live as kings and queens surrounded by opulence.

One grower has recently been reported to have made $120 million in the past 30 years. By Gov. Davis approving binding arbitration, the “struggling growers” (give me a break) might have to pay only $20,000 more per year. If they would go bankrupt for doing so, then they shouldn’t be in the grape business.

Rogelio Quesada

San Diego