Agricultural Labor Relations Board v. Exeter Packers, Inc.

Appellants Exeter Packers, Inc., Harding & Leggett, Inc., Orange Cove-Sanger Citrus Association, and Suntreat Growers & Shippers, Inc., operators of four citrus packing houses in Tulare County, appeal from a judgment and order granting both the petition of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB or Board) for a peremptory writ of mandate and the motion of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO (UFW or Union) for judgment on the pleadings in the Union’s action for declaratory and injunctive relief. The actions arose after the Board promulgated regulations pertaining to the citrus industry. The citrus growers, arguing the regulations were invalid, refused to comply.

On April 24, 1985, the UFW served each of the citrus growers with a notice of intent to take access (NA) to their property and agricultural employees. This service triggered the requirements of California Administrative Code, title 8, sections 20900, subdivision (e)(6), and20915, subdivision (b). Section 20900, subdivision (e)(6), requires a citrus employer to furnish the ALRB with a list of the owner(s)/lessee(s) of the property in question, and provide the union with the location of the employer’s…