United Farm Workers

United Farm Workers

United Farm Workers (UFW) is an American labor union that represents farm workers in the United States. It was founded in 1962 by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who sought to improve the working conditions and wages of farm workers.

History

The UFW was initially established as the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The organization was later renamed the United Farm Workers in 1966 after it merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC).

The UFW is best known for organizing the Delano grape strike of 1965-1970, which sought to improve the wages and working conditions of grape pickers in California. The strike was successful in achieving a collective bargaining agreement with the major grape growers in the state.

Impact

The UFW has had a significant impact on the lives of farm workers in the United States. It has successfully advocated for improved wages, working conditions, and labor rights for farm workers. The UFW was also instrumental in the passage of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, which established collective bargaining rights for farm workers in the state.

Criticism

Despite its successes, the UFW has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the union has not done enough to improve the conditions of farm workers, while others contend that it has become too focused on political activism at the expense of its original mission.

See also

• Agricultural labor
• Labor rights
• Cesar Chavez
• Dolores Huerta

References

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