Cesar Chavez (March 31, 1927- April 23, 1993)
Mexican American labor activist and leader of the United Farm Workers
Farm worker leader Cesar Chavez is still controversial. This became evident a few days ago, when Maine's Gov. Paul LePage made changes to the state's Department of Labor building, removing Chavez's name from a conference room honoring this Latino labor leader.
LePage's actions are not targeting Chavez, whose birth anniversary is celebrated today. But they do reflect a tendency against organized labor, which is most visible in Wisconsin. Along with eliminating Chavez's name, there are plans to remove the name of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Labor Secretary, Frances Perkins – who implemented minimum wage and a 44-hour work week – from another conference room. A mural depicting the state's labor history featuring images of strikes and demonstrations was already removed. The changes were made because of complaints from businesspeople and to reflect a new pro-business image.
This new offensive against the labor movement assumes that unionized workers have too much power, which is up for discussion, but completely inaccurate when referring to the farm workers Chavez advocated for.
Chavez dedicated more than 40 years of his life to protecting farm workers through hunger strikes, boycotts and pilgrimages, obtaining protections and rights that back then were available to all the other workers. However, in the 21st century, much injustice still remains on the fields. For example, in New York State, legislation that would provide more basic worker protections to farm workers has been halted by upstate politicians.
There is still much to do to protect farmworkers. Chavez's struggle continues. At the same time, the anniversary of his birth has been declared a day for community service.
Even if only for 24 hours, we can all emulate the commitment of a leader who is the pride of the Latino community.
