(Washington, DC) – Every year, Labor Day serves as a reminder of the labor movement’s vast contributions to the American workforce. The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) is proud to celebrate Labor Day this year by commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Delano Grape Strike in 1965 with the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).
“APALA is honored to join generations of activists in Delano, CA celebrating the accomplishments of Filipino farmworkers, or the Manongs, that helped grow the AAPI labor movement to what it has become today,” said APALA National President Johanna Puno Hester. “We praise the leadership of the Filipino Farm Workers who organized with the Mexican Farm Workers to build collective worker power during the Delano Grape Strike.”
The success of the Delano Grape Strike and the eventual formation of the United Farm Workers of America in 1966 signify how workers came together to fight for a common goal. Their victory demonstrated the power of workers as it showcased the strength of union organizing.
“The Manongs are the unsung heroes of the labor movement and APALA is committed to telling their stories of organizing, struggle and resistance. Their legacy inspires us as we advance worker, immigrant and civil rights,” said Gregory Cendana, APALA National Executive Director. “The AAPI population, including the workforce, continues to grow as seen through the rising AAPI unionization rates. APALA will continue to build a stronger labor movement by utilizing our worker power and building a collective movement the way Delano Grape Strikers did 50 years ago.”
“APALA is honored to join generations of activists in Delano, CA celebrating the accomplishments of Filipino farmworkers, or the Manongs, that helped grow the AAPI labor movement to what it has become today,” said APALA National President Johanna Puno Hester. “We praise the leadership of the Filipino Farm Workers who organized with the Mexican Farm Workers to build collective worker power during the Delano Grape Strike.”
The success of the Delano Grape Strike and the eventual formation of the United Farm Workers of America in 1966 signify how workers came together to fight for a common goal. Their victory demonstrated the power of workers as it showcased the strength of union organizing.
“The Manongs are the unsung heroes of the labor movement and APALA is committed to telling their stories of organizing, struggle and resistance. Their legacy inspires us as we advance worker, immigrant and civil rights,” said Gregory Cendana, APALA National Executive Director. “The AAPI population, including the workforce, continues to grow as seen through the rising AAPI unionization rates. APALA will continue to build a stronger labor movement by utilizing our worker power and building a collective movement the way Delano Grape Strikers did 50 years ago.”
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