Farm Workers Day will be observed on Tuesday in Los Angeles following a significant renaming of the holiday previously dedicated to César Chávez. This change comes in the wake of serious sexual abuse allegations leveled against the United Farm Workers (UFW) co-founder.

Official Changes and Rationale

Adoption by Local Authorities

The Los Angeles Unified School District and the County Board of Supervisors both approved the holiday renaming last week. This action aligns with similar measures taken by state lawmakers and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who issued an executive order changing the city's observance.

Focus on the Movement

County supervisors stated the primary goal of the renaming is to redirect focus toward the broader farm worker movement and its collective achievements. County Supervisor Janice Hahn commented on the decision last week, stating, “The abuses of one man should not diminish the extraordinary sacrifices and accomplishments of the farm worker movement, and renaming this holiday acknowledges that.”

Hahn acknowledged the emotional impact of recent revelations, noting, “This past week has been heartbreaking for so many people on so many levels -- for communities, for people who have admired one man and admired the movement.”

Action Regarding Chávez's Image

The county has also initiated a process for staff to begin removing Chávez's name and likeness from various county facilities. These administrative moves follow a recent New York Times report detailing multiple allegations of sexual abuse.

Details of the Allegations

Testimonies Against Chávez

The Times report included accounts from several women concerning abuse during the height of the farm labor movement. One woman alleged that Chávez, then 45, kissed her and pulled down her pants in his office when she was 13, leading to dozens of subsequent sexual encounters over four years, though she stated none involved intercourse.

Another woman claimed that Chávez groped her breast at age 12 and later had sexual intercourse with her at a motel during a march when she was 15. Both accusers were reportedly daughters of organizers who worked alongside Chávez.

Dolores Huerta's Account

UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta confirmed an account she shared with the newspaper regarding an incident in 1966. Huerta stated that Chávez drove her to a secluded grape field in Delano, California, and raped her in the vehicle.

Huerta explained she did not report the incident then due to fears of police hostility toward Chávez and the labor movement, and concerns that her claims would not be believed. She later confirmed in a statement this month that she had two sexual encounters with Chávez, one where she was “manipulated and pressured into having sex with him,” and another where she “was forced against my will.”

Holiday Observance Schedule

The observance schedule for the newly designated Farm Workers Day varies across different government levels:

  • All California state offices, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and Los Angeles Superior Court, will be closed.
  • Los Angeles County and city administrative offices will be open, as they observed the holiday on Monday.
  • Federal offices, such as the U.S. Postal Service and federal courts, will remain open, with mail delivery proceeding normally.
  • Public transit systems, including Los Angeles Metro and Metrolink, will operate on their standard weekday schedules.