WHEREAS:
Working conditions for migrant workers were and continue to be harsh and unsafe. The wages were and are still low, making it difficult to support a family; and

WHEREAS:
Cesar Chavez spent most of his life working in the California fields; and

WHEREAS:
Cesar Chavez started to organize agricultural workers into a labor union in the 1950s in an attempt to improve working conditions and get better pay for migrant workers from their employers; and

WHEREAS:
Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which honored the walkout by farm workers in Delano, California in 1965, who were in another union, the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee. In 1966 both unions joined together to form the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, which later became The United Farm Workers as we know it today; and

WHEREAS:
Cesar Chavez, through tireless leadership, made this nation aware of the struggles of the farm workers and their working conditions. By fasting and other nonviolent tactics, Cesar brought recognition to the importance and dignity of all farm workers, thereby becoming the voice of the farm worker.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That Cesar Chavez be recognized for his contribution to recognizing the plight of the farm worker and the dignity of all people; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That Cesar Chavez’ birthday, March 31, be made a national holiday through state and national legislative efforts.
 
SUBMITTED BY: Carol Dotlich, President and Delegate
 Lee Novak, Secretary and Delegate
 AFSCME Council 28
 Washington