Sage Calderaz UFW Presentation

What Was The Movement About?

Who Was Part of the Movement?

The United Farm Worker's Movement

HUELGA!

In California, migrant workers spent long days in fields harvesting produce that would be enjoyed by Americans all across the country. However, these farmworkers faced dangerous work environments such as direct contact with pesticides, extreme weather, insufficient breaks, and lack of drinking water.

Two Community Service Organizers from Northern California sought to fight with the farmworkers for their right to adequate work environments and protections against labor exploitation. Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez organized with farm workers and California Migrant Ministries to support farm worker strikes against oppressive work environments created by the growers.

What Was The United Farm Workers Movement?

Cesar Chavez

Dolores Huerta

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Check-In

UFW wins passage of Agricultural Labor Relations Act.

340-mile Peregrinacion

International Grape Boycott

Delano Grape Strike

No, let's not.

Yes, let's do it!

They have asked the NFWA to join the fight to garner more support and create an alliance with Latino migrant workers. Should we join?

It's September 8, 1965. The Filipino American Farmworkers have started their walkout against grape growers and their oppressive working conditions.

Delano Grape Strike of 1965

Together, the two groups want to garner more statewide attention and put pressure on the government.

On September 16 NFWA joined the walkout with the Filipino Farmworkers. This has drawn much attention and has started a major strike against grape growers in Central California!

Delano Grape Strike of 1965

On March 17, 1966, the nearly 100 Filipino Farmworkers and NFWA members walked from Delano, California to the California State Capitol in Sacramento. They marched over 300 miles to raise public awareness about the injustice faced by farm workers and to put pressure on legislation to enact protections.

340 Pilgrimage to Sacramento

Next

Hard work is paying off! The public demonstrations and nonviolent protest have made the movement credible among the broad public. The boycott against grape growers gained international traction in which Canada and the United States saw consumers boycotting table grapes. For 5 years (1965 - 1970) millions of people were aware of or participated in the strike against growers who subjected their farmworkers to dangerous work environments.

International Grape Boycott

No, It's Too Risky.

Yes, Let's Do It!

Litigate Against Unfair Labor Practices in Court and Lobby Politicians?

There is a lot of traction with the movement! However, the UFW wants to put more pressure on politicians to get protections passed for farm workers. Boycotts are powerful, but being able to have legal assistance and lobbying power can influence political outcomes that will create long-lasting effects.

Next

As a result of the dedication and passion from the UFW, various civil rights organizations, unions, politicians, and lawyers, the California State Legislature passed the Agricultural Labor Relations Act. This act gave farmworkers the right to organize and bargain with employers. It ensured their rights to unionize without coercion or threats from their employer.

Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975

To keep up with their current campaigns and get updates, visit their website here!

In 2024, the UFW is still actively fighting for workers rights. New contracts with wineries and vineyards have been created, such as one formed in 2005 with Gallo Winery in Sanoma. The fight is not over until all farmworkers are guaranteed the right to a safe work environment and unionization.

The Fight Is Far From Over

Born in Dawson, New Mexico, Huerta was raised in Stockton. She was inspired by her mother, who offered low income and farmworking families housing in her hotel. Huerta worked in the Community Service Organization Stockton Chapter where she fought for fair wages of farmworkers, access to voting, and healthcare rights. She later partnered with Chavez in 1962 to create the United Farm Workers Movement

Dolores Huerta

April 10, 1930 - Present

Born in Yuma, Arizona to Mexican American parents, Chavez worked as a manual laborer for most of his life. Chavez relocated to California to work with the Community Service Organization where he launched strikes for farmworkers, demanding ethical work conditions. Chavez believed firmly in non-violent action and boycotting as a means of putting pressure on the oppressive growers. Chavez was not alone in this fight as it couldn't have been possible without one inspiring woman.

Cesar Chavez

March 31, 1927 - April 23, 1993

Delano, California

Located in the Central Valley of California, Delano is known for its rich agricultural industry and its history in civil rights from the UFW Movement.