United Farm Workers - 1960s
During the early 1960s, the migrant farm workers still faced several
injustices while
working in the fields. Many of these Mexican workers worked under
deplorable conditions
such as not having water nor bathrooms available during the workday, no job
security, low wages, and most harmful no benefits. These conditions plagued
the farm worker
and his family on a daily basis. Rarely did the workers receive the wages
they deserved
for their hard work. At this point in time, no organized union existed to
assist the worker. The migrant farm workers, in turn, sought the
leadership of a young
farm worker by the name of César Chávez. Chávez
decided that it was time to organize
agricultural workers in the California area and demand comfortable wages
and working
conditions from their employers. Soon enough, the migrant farm workers of
the Southwest
and the rest of the country banned together to become active members of the
United
Farm Workers Union (UFW). Had Chávez not had the support of the farm
workers, then
all of his efforts would have gone down in defeat.
In this time of organized unions and protests, the Mexican corridista took
advantage
of the issue at hand. It is evident in the corridos sung by the workers
that César
Chávez helped create a unity among the workers and their families.
The workers protested against the rich companies and their unjust ways.
This is best illustrated in
the corrido: Corrido de la causa. The corrido begins with the llamada
inicial which
is the beckoning of ears to come listen to the story of the farm worker.
In this
introductory stanza, the migrant worker says he will explain why they were
sent to jail
and the reasons behind their protest. Throughout this corrido, the
principles of
the farm workers' cause is highlighted. The worker demands a better
standard of
living for him and his family. In the following stanzas, the personaje
recalls the date of the
protest and the unjust laws the companies constantly throw at them.
Regardless of
the consequences the farm worker faces, he still demands an improved life
for his
family before giving in to the unjust employer. At the head of this
struggle is César Chávez.
Chávez leads his fellow farm worker into the protest with the black
and red flag
of freedom. This (UFW) flag stands as a symbol of hope for the children of
the United Farm Workers. Through this struggle, the personaje will either
protest by striking
or boycotting. The migrant worker is willing to die in his struggle for a
decent
workplace.
Cathy A. Vasquez
UT History student