The Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) and the Mixteca Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) are advocating for a $26 per hour minimum wage for farmworkers in Santa Barbara County. This proposal could have serious negative consequences for the region’s agricultural economy.
If enacted, the $26 minimum wage could drive growers out of business, put farmworkers out of work, hurt Santa Barbara’s economy and lead to a significant loss in tax revenue for the county.
In response, the Board of Supervisors has formed an ad hoc committee to explore this proposal and more broadly “farmworker conditions.” A public hearing is expected in November, after the election.
Western Growers is helping lead a newly formed coalition of growers, vintners, small businesses and farmworkers to oppose the minimum wage hike and defend the interests of agriculture.
To support or join the coalition, contact Sydney Page at [email protected] or Cory Lunde at [email protected]. You can also fill out this coalition form here.