(DELANO, CALIFORNIA) - On Cesar Chavez Day, the United Farm Workers (UFW), the California Federation of Labor Unions and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California assembled more than 5,000 of their Members and fellow Workers to march in Delano, California - a place deeply rooted in movement history - in solidarity with Immigrant Workers to denounce President Trump’s mass deportation policies as an attack on the entire Latino Community and Working People.

This demonstration was the largest mobilization of Union Workers on behalf of Immigrant Rights since President Trump’s election.

The March’s theme: Con Estas Manos/With These Hands - highlighted the role of Immigrant Workers as the backbone of the American economy.

“My dad showed us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. His life serves as a blueprint for change, demonstrating that when we organize, persist and stand together, we win,” said Paul Chavez, the son of Cesar Chavez. “The unparalleled threats Immigrants, Latinos and Farm Workers are facing deserves a dignified response, and with today’s march, we honor the life of Cesar Chavez and send a clear signal: every single one of us has the power to better our lives when we stand together and fight for what’s right.” 

Cesar Chavez spent his lifetime fighting for the dignity of work, no matter who you are, where you work, or your immigration status.

His fight for Farm Workers’ Labor Rights helped ensure better wages, safer working conditions, and the first law enshrining the right to Unionize for Agricultural Workers in the United States.

From its inception in 1962, the UFW has always welcomed all Workers into its ranks - regardless of their status.

Throughout his life, Chavez was a steadfast supporter of extending Citizenship and Labor Rights to Immigrant Workers and stood in vocal opposition to cruel or exploitative policies - such as the Bracero Program, which are similar to many of the deportation threats and coercive Guest Worker Programs being put forward by the Trump Administration today.

Then as now, growers continue to use the threat of deportation to keep Farm Workers from improving their rights and organizing.

“In a time like this, it takes courage just to do what we have been doing,” UFW President Teresa Romero said. “Farm Workers - like all Workers - need to keep organizing to protect themselves and protect each other. The thousands of Workers gathering in Delano are all sending a very clear message of solidarity with ALL Workers, no matter where they work or where they are from.” 

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: On Cesar Chavez Day, UFW, Unions, and Chavez Family Honor Legacy With Historic Delano Mobilization for Immigrant Rights  – UFW

Photo Courtesy Of the United Farm Workers Facebook Page.