In 1965, a crucial alliance formed between Filipino and Mexican American farmworkers in California. These laborers united to launch a significant strike against the state's powerful grape growers, marking a turning point in American labor history.

The Roots of Filipino Agricultural Labor in America

Early Immigration and Hardship

From 1898 to 1946, many Filipinos were permitted to immigrate to the U.S. after studying English. Tens of thousands joined the agricultural workforce, often laboring in farms, canneries, and factories, predominantly on the West Coast, between the 1920s and 1960s.

The initial wave of male workers, hailing from the Ilocano-speaking region of the Philippines, were affectionately known as "manong," or older brothers. These workers frequently faced severe discrimination, including substandard housing, poor working conditions, and low wages, often sending their earnings back home.

Loneliness was a significant burden, as few Filipino women immigrated, and anti-miscegenation laws restricted interracial marriage. By the 1960s, these workers had established the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to strategize for labor action.

Necessity Driving Organization

Dennis Arguelles, Southern California director for the National Parks Conservation Association, noted that the organizing efforts "came out of necessity and desperation to protect themselves, to try to live in dignity." By this time, Filipino farmworkers were actively planning strikes to advocate for better treatment.

The Delano Grape Strike Commences

Itliong's Call to Action

Filipino organizer Larry Itliong, alongside Philip Vera Cruz, guided the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to vote on September 8, 1965. The committee resolved to strike against grape growers in Delano, California, demanding pay equal to the federal minimum wage.

Arguelles described Itliong as the "more 'fiery union leader'" who subsequently contacted César Chavez. Chavez, a founder of the National Farm Workers Association, was initially hesitant about initiating a strike against such formidable agribusiness interests.

Arguelles explained that Chavez felt the NFWA was unprepared to challenge these powerful structures, which historically succeeded in dividing ethnic groups to undermine labor actions.

Forging the United Farm Workers

Just one week after the Filipino workers struck, the two groups officially merged their efforts. This union became known as the United Farm Workers (UFW).

The resulting Delano grape strike proved to be a monumental five-year struggle that significantly impacted the agricultural industry. The strike ultimately concluded with collective bargaining agreements secured for thousands of laborers.

Revisiting Historical Narratives and Recognition

The Shadow Over Chavez's Legacy

The popular historical account of the strike often centers on the partnership between Itliong and Chavez, who are frequently depicted together in murals and historical exhibits across California.

Recent discussions have prompted a re-evaluation of this narrative, especially following allegations concerning Chavez, leading to warnings against the deification of historical figures. Dillon Delvo, executive director of Little Manila Rising, stated, "There always seems to be a need to be like a main character."

Arguelles views this moment positively, suggesting, "Maybe this is our opportunity to tell a more accurate and comprehensive narrative of what took place."

Advocacy for Broader Recognition

The push for a more inclusive history has gained traction. Last week, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors initiated steps to rename César Chavez Day, with some suggesting moving the holiday to September 8 to honor the striking Filipino workers.

Johnny Itliong, Larry Itliong's son, asserted at a public meeting that Chavez had attempted to "erase the history" of the strike's commencement. He stated, "I’ve spent my whole life speaking up for my father and his generation of men and women who fed America."

Advocates are calling for the celebration to focus on both Filipino and Chicano farmworkers, specifically emphasizing the contributions and trauma experienced by women in the movement. Delvo stressed the need to "center this trauma of women and sexual abuse" in current discussions.

Highlighting Unsung Heroes

Vernadette Gonzalez, an ethnic studies professor at UC Berkeley, urged educators to highlight the overlooked figures, particularly women. While Hispanic female members of the UFW were vital in preparing food and managing family logistics, Gonzalez noted, "Nobody’s crediting them in the minutes of the meeting."

Gonzalez posed the question, "Who’s missing from the story? In the United Farmworkers movement, folks will say ‘It’s Larry Itliong and the Filipino farmworkers.’ But I would also say ‘Where are the women?’"

The musical "Larry the Musical: An American Journey," which focuses on the Filipino farmworkers' movement, reportedly references Chavez only once, during the scene where Itliong calls him. The producers intentionally centered the story on the women who held the community and Larry accountable and passed knowledge to subsequent generations.