It might have been one of the longest demonstrations at the Capitol this year. For about a week ending Wednesday, farmworkers demonstrated around the clock in favor of Senate Bill 180, which would make it easier for workers to join the United Farm Workers union.

The vigil started Sept. 5 with a big rally. In the following days the union brought in workers from around the state to maintain a continual presence -- all in an attempt to get Gov. Schwarzenegger to sign the bill.

"We just wanted to make sure that our presence was felt," said Alisha M. Rosas, the union's communications director.

Under SB 180, workers would have the option to unionize through "card-check" organizing. If a majority of workers sign cards, the union would be certified, as long as the results are verified by the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

The bill is aimed at stopping companies from intimidating workers against joining a union. Industry leaders say workers already have adequate protections, and that the bill would expose workers to threats from unions.

The governor has until early October to sign the bill.

--E.J. Schultz