How Did Cesar Chavez Treat Farm Workers

The Great Depression struck in 1929 and left many migrant workers unemployed in Southern California. Like most people, many hispanics were desperate for jobs, once theirs were taken. They were offered jobs in the fields and immediately took them. Braceros, “manual laborers”, were forced to settle for poor working and unsanitary conditions. Many were taken advantage of by their employers. Cesar Chavez, an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activists, was born on March 31, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona. Cesar started working in fields at a young age with his family. After years of protesting, he created contracts that required resting periods, clean drinking water, hand washing stations and protective clothing. He also introduced
health benefits for farm workers and families and eventually increased their wages. Cesar Chavez fought for farmers’ rights, revolutionized their working conditions, and impacted society greatly by creating contracts that would benefit farm workers. Cesar Chavez started the first strike against grape growers in Southern California in 1963. An organization that he started, National Farm Workers Association joined the strike because of the terrible conditions these farmers were forced to work in. According to an article about Cesar Chavez, “Braceros were unpaid and were denied the right to unionize” (Fighting). In reference to History.com, “They labored in inhumane conditions and had no toilets in the fields. They had to pay two dollars or more per day to live in metal shacks with no plumbing or electricity” (History). Cesar had a steady job, but he noticed how poorly the farmers were treated in the fields, and decided that he needed to make a movement. Cesar had an education up to the eighth grade because he had to quit school early and work to support his family. Cesar Chavez helped many farmers, due to his non-violent protesting that started the strike against grape growers. He saw how miserable the braceros were, and decided to help them even if he got hurt along the way. With his hard work and dedication to the cause, Cesar helped improve immigrants’ rights, their working conditions, and payment.
He held several strikes, boycotts, led marches, and went on hunger strikes. He fasted to raise awareness about the dangers of pesticides in the fields. Influential Americans mentioned, “His goal was to overthrow a farm labor system in the nation which treats farm workers as if they were not human beings” (Cesar). An article about the grape boycott said, “In September 1967, Chavez started a nationwide boycott of California grapes in support of farm workers’ rights” (Exploring). Cesar was able to gather many people to help protest. Growers thought that Cesar’s group was filled with “ dangerous agitators” and felt that they were disrupting a peaceful community. Police became cautious of strikes and even recorded the strikers’ names. As a result of this, Strikers were forbidden to disturb the peace and the word huelga (which means strike) was banned. Eventually, Cesar Chavez was able to get workers to sign contracts with the union and they gained their rights and were able to get higher wages and safer working conditions. This was a great victory for Cesar Chavez and
farmers. Today’s society is facing major problems with racial discrimination, underpayment, and immigration.
The world needs a leader to figure out a solution for these problems. Almost everyday on the news, there will be a story involving one of these issues. As Nathan and Erin Durkin wrote in an article, “I can’t hire you because you’re black” (Place). Jamilah Dacosta heard this when she applied for a job at a bake shop. This story about racial discrimination is recent. After many years, people think that they still have the right to do this. According to an article about immigration, “They are here to steal our jobs and to claim welfare” (Immigration). During the current election debates, immigration is one of the major issues. The solution is divided into two stances. The solution is either that immigrants should be deported because they are bad for the country, or that they are not the ones causing the problem. Cesar Chavez has impacted the world greatly and has helped many people’s lives. Although, there is still room for improvement. Problems such as racial discrimination, underpayment, and immigration need to be fixed to make the society a better
place. Cesar Chavez fought for farmers’ rights, revolutionized their working conditions, and impacted society greatly by creating contracts that would benefit farm workers. Cesar has had a great affect on society and he created contracts that required a healthier and safer environment for farmers, which explains why he is idolized by many people. He believed in nonviolent protesting and strikes, even though not everyone agreed with some of his actions, such as fasting. He went on multiple hunger strikes and was on one for 36 days. Chavez died while fasting on April 23, 1993. Cesar impacted the lives of many and has inspired many people to be selfless, courageous, and to fight for what they believe in.