Discussion

1. What were the conditions of farm workers like? Farm workers were denied proper working conditions in the fields and proper living conditions at home. They were the most “ignored, exploited, and vulnerable population in this country” (The Valley In The Struggle, 0:52). The conditions were inadequate to take care of the workers if they had fallen sick or injured, and would be quickly replaced if they could not come to work. The workers were not guaranteed minimum wage, were not entitled to unemployment insurance, and forming unions was out of the question. The workers were also denied basic rights such as access to clean drinking water, access to portable toilets, safe conditions away from hazardous/poisonous material, and lunch breaks or resting periods. Workers’ homes were essentially shacks and if some were unlucky, didn’t have any shelter at all. Having children doing farm work was also common.

2. How did farm workers take action? Who were some of the key people in this struggle? Some key people were Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, and Fred Ross. Huerta, Chavez, and the Filipino brothers gathered to form the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). This group was meant to be more of a social movement “la causa” than a traditional union. This movement inspired other farm workers to organize and challenge the growers, seeking to change not only the conditions they lived in but the roles Latinos had in American history. By 1980, the UFW had grown to over 80,000 members and was considered one of the most successful labor unions in American history (3:43). Valley Friends of the Farm Workers was also formed to be in alliance with the UFW and was comprised of Chicanos. They would participate in boycotts and would provide transportation. The New Farm Workers Association (NFWA) was also formed in 1965. They had intended to slowly build their union, activities, and membership until they made the choice to join the Filipino brothers, to strike against the grape industry known as “The grape strike of 1965.” People were striking in the fields, students boycotted grapes at their schools, and unionists striked and boycotted markets and distribution centers. This boycott was very successful in their goal that California table grapes ceased to sell in other states and regions of Canada. To also show the strength of the cause, Chavez made a pilgrimage to travel 340 miles from Delano to Sacramento known as Peregrinación.

3. Do you think we need a farm workers' movement today? Why or why not? I think farm workers’ movements today are still relevant and are still needed today. These are the organizations, the people, that have an integral role in our society and survival and I think they need to be treated with respect. They are the people who put food on the table and I think it’s only fair to provide them the conditions, materials, wages, and rights they need to thrive. I also think that this type of work has long been associated with people of color and immigrants. Regulation of fair treatment and dignity to these groups to avoid mistreatment and discrimination is important, and I think having movements could maintain that.