Senate Rules Committee advances ALRB general counsel nominee amid questions on card‑check and enforcement

Julia Montgomery, the governor’s nominee for general counsel of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, was advanced to the full California State Senate on a 3–2 vote after a Senate Rules Committee hearing in which members pressed her about protections for farmworkers under AB 113 and the agency’s ability to enforce make‑whole orders.

Montgomery told the committee she has spent nearly 30 years working on agricultural labor issues across the Central Valley and Central Coast and that the ALRB’s mission is to protect farmworkers’ rights. She described outreach efforts — including radio, television, social media and partnerships with trusted community groups — intended to inform primarily Spanish‑speaking workers about their rights and how to file complaints.

The questioning focused on AB 113’s majority‑support (“card check”) certification process and how the ALRB ensures signatures are authentic. Vice Chair Grove asked what guardrails exist to prevent coercion, forgery or unauthorized signatures and how farmworkers learn about appeals. Montgomery said parties may file objections or unfair labor practice charges; objections are heard by an ALRB officer while unfair labor practice charges are investigated by the general counsel’s office. She said there is no routine signature‑verification step built into the card‑check process, but allegations that a card was not signed or was improperly obtained trigger an investigation and unsigned cards would not be counted.

Sen. Reyes pressed Montgomery on the agency’s track record enforcing make‑whole orders, citing worker claims that relief has been slow and some employers avoid paying judgments. Montgomery said lengthy appeals and employer bankruptcies can delay payments; she noted a recent board decision that upheld a multi‑million‑dollar make‑whole award and explained staff are working on recalculating interest per the board’s directive before the employer and union have an opportunity to comment. Montgomery said ALRB pursues remedies where possible, including claims in bankruptcy proceedings, but cannot extract funds until a final judgment is entered.

Committee members also questioned recruitment and retention at ALRB regional offices and language access. Montgomery said ALRB prioritizes hiring Spanish‑speaking investigators, uses interpreters for less common languages and runs monthly trainings and professional development to improve staff capacity.

After public comment (none in opposition), Sen. Laird moved to advance Montgomery’s appointment to the Senate floor. The roll call recorded Limon — aye; Grove — no; Laird — aye; Ochoa Bog — no; Reyes — aye. The chair announced the motion passed 3–2. Montgomery thanked the committee.

What happens next: The nomination will go to the full California State Senate for a confirmation vote.

Sources: Hearing testimony and committee roll call recorded by the Senate Rules Committee.