The nation’s largest labor group that represents thousands of farmworkers said on Tuesday it will not take part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities after allegations against the civil rights activist and union co-founder recently surfaced.While United Farm Workers said it does not have any direct reports or firsthand knowledge of the allegations, the group said in a release that “the allegations are serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose.”UFW’s release stated it is not the group’s place to comment on the reports, some of which are family issues. But UFW said what it found “far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors.””Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing,” UFW said in its release.Following the surfacing of the allegations, UFW said it is working to establish a confidential and independent channel for those who may have been harmed by Chavez during the union’s early days.Cesar Chavez Day is March 31, and instead of participating in any activities related to Chavez, UFW said it will call on allies and supporters to take part in immigration justice events and acts of service to help farmworkers and other vulnerable people in their communities. KCRA 3 reached out to numerous community leaders and advocacy organizations for comment. The Dolores Huerta Foundation said it is preparing a statement that will be released in the coming days.Sacramento city councilmember Eric Guerra shared this statement about the allegations:”As a father of two young children, I am deeply troubled by the serious allegations that have come to light regarding Cesar Chavez. I condemn any and all actions that cause harm to children in the strongest possible terms, and I will continue to be a voice for victims of abuse.”Growing up as a farmworker and the son of farmworkers, I know firsthand the sacrifices and struggles of those whose blood, sweat, and labor feed us. These allegations should not diminish the very real injustices that farmworkers continue to face today – injustices that deserve our full attention and action. All of this is bigger than any one person. I will continue to fight for the rights and be a voice for farmworkers and immigrants alike.”Gloria Partida serves as vice mayor for the city of Davis and is known across the community for advocating for civil rights/social justice. She said it was pretty devastating to learn about the accusations surrounding Chavez.She explained that although conversations haven’t happened yet regarding how this year’s observances of Cesar Chavez Day will take shape, she encourages people to celebrate the broader movement for workers’ rights that began decades ago.“There were many, many people that were involved in that movement to make it successful. There were allies, and just, no one can do something like this alone,” said Partida. “The impact of the movement saved lives and changed people’s lives — the trajectory of their lives. And none of that should be negated.”Chavez was known for advocating for better workplace conditions for farmworkers. He founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became UFW.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The nation’s largest labor group that represents thousands of farmworkers said on Tuesday it will not take part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities after allegations against the civil rights activist and union co-founder recently surfaced.
While United Farm Workers said it does not have any direct reports or firsthand knowledge of the allegations, the group said in a release that “the allegations are serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose.”
UFW’s release stated it is not the group’s place to comment on the reports, some of which are family issues. But UFW said what it found “far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors.”
“Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing,” UFW said in its release.
Following the surfacing of the allegations, UFW said it is working to establish a confidential and independent channel for those who may have been harmed by Chavez during the union’s early days.
Cesar Chavez Day is March 31, and instead of participating in any activities related to Chavez, UFW said it will call on allies and supporters to take part in immigration justice events and acts of service to help farmworkers and other vulnerable people in their communities.
KCRA 3 reached out to numerous community leaders and advocacy organizations for comment. The Dolores Huerta Foundation said it is preparing a statement that will be released in the coming days.
Sacramento city councilmember Eric Guerra shared this statement about the allegations:
“As a father of two young children, I am deeply troubled by the serious allegations that have come to light regarding Cesar Chavez. I condemn any and all actions that cause harm to children in the strongest possible terms, and I will continue to be a voice for victims of abuse.
“Growing up as a farmworker and the son of farmworkers, I know firsthand the sacrifices and struggles of those whose blood, sweat, and labor feed us. These allegations should not diminish the very real injustices that farmworkers continue to face today – injustices that deserve our full attention and action. All of this is bigger than any one person. I will continue to fight for the rights and be a voice for farmworkers and immigrants alike.”
Gloria Partida serves as vice mayor for the city of Davis and is known across the community for advocating for civil rights/social justice. She said it was pretty devastating to learn about the accusations surrounding Chavez.
She explained that although conversations haven’t happened yet regarding how this year’s observances of Cesar Chavez Day will take shape, she encourages people to celebrate the broader movement for workers’ rights that began decades ago.
“There were many, many people that were involved in that movement to make it successful. There were allies, and just, no one can do something like this alone,” said Partida. “The impact of the movement saved lives and changed people’s lives — the trajectory of their lives. And none of that should be negated.”
Chavez was known for advocating for better workplace conditions for farmworkers. He founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became UFW.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel