Sánchez Statement on Anniversary of Cesar Chávez' Birthday
March 31, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Linda Sánchez released the following statement today in honor of the 82nd anniversary of Cesar Chávez’ birthday on March 31st:
“Today we stop to remember César Chávez, a pioneer of the labor movement in the immigrant community. His work organizing immigrant and minority farm workers to fight courageously for their right to fair pay, fair benefits and fair working conditions, has taught us responsibility and respectability.
“When I was growing up, I remember my brothers and sisters and I begging our mother to buy us grapes. However, she refused to buy them out of support for the grape pickers strike that was lead by Chávez’ United Farm Workers Union. Because of her small action, and the small actions of Americans across the country, the United Farm Workers ultimately won its first collective bargaining agreement with growers.
“As we celebrate César Chávez Day today, I am proud to be a supporter of Congressional legislation that will make it easier for employees to unionize. The Employee Free Choice Act is a testament to the legacy of Chávez’ work.
“We know that when workers come together and stand up for what is right, they can do powerful things. Now Congress should come together and do a powerful thing for workers by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.”
“Today we stop to remember César Chávez, a pioneer of the labor movement in the immigrant community. His work organizing immigrant and minority farm workers to fight courageously for their right to fair pay, fair benefits and fair working conditions, has taught us responsibility and respectability.
“When I was growing up, I remember my brothers and sisters and I begging our mother to buy us grapes. However, she refused to buy them out of support for the grape pickers strike that was lead by Chávez’ United Farm Workers Union. Because of her small action, and the small actions of Americans across the country, the United Farm Workers ultimately won its first collective bargaining agreement with growers.
“As we celebrate César Chávez Day today, I am proud to be a supporter of Congressional legislation that will make it easier for employees to unionize. The Employee Free Choice Act is a testament to the legacy of Chávez’ work.
“We know that when workers come together and stand up for what is right, they can do powerful things. Now Congress should come together and do a powerful thing for workers by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.”