Ruline Nursery Co. v. Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Petitioner Ruline Nursery Co. (Ruline) seeks review of an Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB or Board) decision, 8 ALRB No. 105. The Board found Ruline had (1) refused to bargain with the United Farm Workers (UFW or Union); (2) unilaterally changed the terms and conditions of employment regarding holiday and vacation pay, hours of employment and wages; (3) failed to rehire Pedro Rivas and Guadalupe Ruiz on July 22, 1980, and August 13, 1980; (4) delayed the rehire of Agustín Madrid and Miguel Pereda in November 1980; (5) failed to raise wages of six employees rehired in October 1980; and (6) failed to rehire Agustín Madrid on December 12, 1980. Ruline has stated a myriad (34) reasons why the Board decision is erroneous. We granted hearing because of the novel question (peak employment determination) presented which was fundamental to the Board’s finding of a refusal to bargain.

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In enacting the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA or Act), the California Legislature specifically declared the collective bargaining process is the preferred method for attempting to bring peace and stability to California’s agricultural fields. (Agricultural Labor Relations Bd. v.…