Hundreds march in Greenfield
honoring Cesar Chavez
GREENFIELD, Calif. – More than 1,000 farm workers and United Farm Workers supporters celebrated Cesar Chavez’s legacy Sunday by marching for fair treatment for farm workers. Residents gathered at 12 noon on Sunday, March 27, at the Patriot Park in Greenfield. Chavez’s upcoming March 31 birthday is celebrated as an official holiday in 10 states, including California.
The four-mile march through the streets of Greenfield, led by UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, commemorates the life and legacy of Chavez. Keeping with the farm labor leader’s vision and lifetime-dedication to farm worker rights, the event is also a push for SB 104, the Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act. The bill, written by state Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) would help field laborers better protect themselves by making it easier for them to join unions.
"The United Farm Workers is fighting for reform legislation to restore democracy to the fields. For four years in a row, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed UFW bills making it easier for farm workers to join a union. This year we’re putting that bill on Governor Brown’s desk," Rodriguez said.
The march was also in support of UFW members who are re-negotiating their contract with vegetable grower D’Arrigo Bros. Co. They also stand in solidarity with the Oaxacan community who live in Greenfield and who have been targets of racist attacks in recent years.
Patriot Park (between 13th Street and Oak Avenue) in Greenfield. Meeting at 12 noon, Sunday, March 27, 2011. The event will begin with a short program and the march will begin at 12:30 p.m.March for honoring Cesar Chavez’s legacy and pushing legislation making it easier for farm workers to protect themselves.
UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, United Farm Workers members and supporters, and local officials.