United Farm Workers in Accord with Bruce Church, Inc.; UFW, Bruce Church, Inc. drop longstanding claims against each other

Business Wire, May 29, 1996

SALINAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 1996--Bruce Church, Inc. and the United Farm Workers (UFW) today jointly announced the resolution of all legal proceedings and the end of any current boycotts and strikes.

The agreement was signed today by Steve Taylor, President of Bruce Church, Inc., and UFW President, Arturo Rodriguez at the Cesar Chavez Public Library in Salinas, Calif. The agreement is a blanket resolution settling all current issues between the two organizations. Bruce Church, Inc. agreed to drop its $2.9 million damage suit against the union alleging intentional misconduct during a 1980 secondary boycott. Two juries found the UFW liable and assessed the organization millions of dollars in actual and punitive damages. The case had been remanded for a new trial on legal technicalities.

Additionally, an outstanding Agriculture Labor Relations Board issue regarding back pay was settled for approximately $190,000.

Under the agreement, Bruce Church, Inc. will enter into a five-year contract with the UFW covering farming operations that include thinning, harvesting and weeding crews, and general ranch functions in its Salinas and Huron, Calif., fields. Approximately 400 employees will be covered by this contract.

"We are pleased that the disputes with the UFW are resolved and that our employees are free from those distractions," said Bruce Church, Inc. President, Steve Taylor. "It is a fair agreement that allows us to focus on competing successfully in the commodity lettuce business. It is our intention to continue to deal with the union with integrity and to deliver value to our customers."

Headquartered in Salinas, Calif., Bruce Church, Inc. is a privately held company. It was established in 1926 and currently employs more than 500 people. Bruce Church, Inc. is a national leader in wrapped head lettuce for retail and foodservice.

CONTACT: Fineman Associates

Sharon Greenspan, 415/777-6933