ON CESAR CHAVEZ DAY–REP. ADAM SCHIFF COMMENDS ONE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST ADVOCATES FOR WORKING FAMILIES
WASHINGTON–DC–In honor of his many contributions to the farm labor movement and for his leadership on behalf of working families–Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) issued the following statement on this day set aside for remembering Cesar Chavez:
"Today we remember Cesar Chavez–one of our nation’s greatest advocates for working families. Cesar Chavez is best known as the founder of the United Farm Workers of America–AFL-CIO (UFW) and for his work on behalf of the farm labor movement. That–however–was only the tip of the iceberg. Throughout his entire life–Cesar Chavez championed non-violent social change–dedicated himself to public service–and petitioned for improved workers’ rights.
"Cesar Chavez led the first successful farm workers union in American history–achieving dignity–respect–fair wages–medical coverage–pension benefits–and humane living conditions–as well as countless other rights and protections for hundreds of thousands of farm workers. His union’s efforts brought about the passage of the groundbreaking 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act to protect farm workers. Today–it remains the only law in the nation that protects the farm workers’ right to unionize.
"In California–we have Cesar Chavez Day to remember and honor his contributions–but we must work together to bring national attention to the work of this great leader. The significance and impact of Chavez’s work transcends any one cause or boundaries and that is why I support legislation to establish a national Cesar Chavez Day (H. Res. 112–introduced by Rep. Joe Baca) and protect historic sites associated with his life and the farm labor movement (H.R. 1034 introduced by Rep. Hilda Solis).
"Today–we honor Cesar Chavez–an inimitable leader and great humanitarian who influenced and inspired millions of Americans to seek social justice and fight for civil rights."
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District–including the communities of Alhambra–Altadena–Burbank–East Pasadena–East San Gabriel–Glendale–Monterey Park–Pasadena–San Gabriel–South Pasadena–and Temple City.