WHEREAS, on March 31st we honor the life and legacy of César Estrada Chávez; and
WHEREAS, Chávez, who was born into poverty and raised by Mexican American migrant workers, dedicated his life to labor rights activism in the pursuit of advancing the rights and conditions of workers across the country; and
WHEREAS, one of Chávez’s most transcendent achievements included the co-founding of the United Farm Workers of America (UFWA) in 1966 with Dolores Huerta, Gilbert Padilla, Larry Itliong, and other organizers – paving the way for 1975 landmark legislation that codified and guaranteed agricultural workers’ right to unionize, bargain collectively with their employers, and vote in secret-ballot elections in California; and
WHEREAS, Chávez’s strikes, marches, and boycotts inspired people from all walks of life to fight for workers’ core rights, including the health and safety of their workplaces, more equitable pay, and workplace protections; and
WHEREAS, today, and every day, Salt Lake City remains inspired and committed to building upon Chávez’s work to foster and elevate safe workplace environments for our employees, promote values that support a healthy work-life balance, and implement equitable workplace policies and practices; and
WHEREAS, our city appreciates the opportunity to participate in collective bargaining with three labor unions that represent 51.2 % of our entire workforce.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim, March 31st, 2023, as:César Chávez Day in Salt Lake City
To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation, click here.