Arrests Halt Picketers

Two members of the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) were arrested yesterday on charges of "rude and disorderly conduct" while they demonstrated in front of two Cambridge liquor stores.

Michael Gallagher was arrested by Cambridge police around noon yesterday in front of the Harvard Provision Company on Mount Auburn St. Kenneth Shirey was arrested in front of Libby's Liquor Market near Central Square about 6 p.m.

The UFWOC decided ten days ago to picket several Boston area liquor stores to promote a boycott of wines made by nine growers in Napa Valley. Calif. The boycott is an attempt to force the growers to negotiate with the UFWOC. Since January, the growers have refused to recognize the union, which represents migrant grape-pickers.

All demonstrations were suspended indefinitely when Shirey was arrested.

About half of the prospective customers are supporting the Boycott. George Sheridan, a member of the UFWOC, said yesterday.

Harasement

When demonstrators picketed Harvard Provision Thursday. store employees called police repeatedly to ask for the demonstrators's arrest. The employees claimed that the picketers were harassing customers.

"We hope to demonstrate that we are not the type of people who harass." Gallagher said yesterday.

Demonstrators talked quietly with people on the street, Gallagher said. When pickets did speak with someone. they removed their signs, he added.

"When I was arrested, I was talking with a little old lady. The desire to do her bodily harm was very remote." Gallagher said.

The manager of Harvard Provision was not available for comment.

For the past month, the United Farm Workers have negotiated with area liquor stores. Stores in large parts of Newton and in Cambridge have already agreed to stop selling the wines hit by the boycott.

Gallagher said every liquor store between Central Square and Harvard Square has agreed to stop selling the wines, except for Libby's and Harvard Provision.

The managers of Libby's and Harvard Provision refused to talk with the Farm Workers. "When I went to speak with the owner of Libby's, he spat in my face." Gallagher said.

"Libby's has been trying to get an injunction against us, but no Superior Court would give it." Sheridan said yesterday. "Instead, the cops make arrests for disorderly conduct," he added.

"Our job is to educate. If we lose these cases, we'll be muzzled, and we won't be able to exercise our First-Amendment rights." Gallagher said yesterday.

Gallagher said he will fast until he receives an acceptable, just decision. His trial has been set for December 10