Press Releases

Today, Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24), a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, authored a resolution to honor civil rights and labor leader César E. Chávez.

“César Chávez was a champion for justice, dignity, and the rights of workers everywhere,” said Rep. Carbajal. “His legacy of resilience and unity continues to inspire us as we reject the divisive policies of the Trump Administration. Today, we honor his legacy by reaffirming our commitment to fairness, equality, and the belief that ‘Sí, se puede’—yes, we can—create a more just future for all."

“César Chávez fought for the dignity of workers and immigrants and reminded us that their contributions to our country are just as valuable as anyone else’s,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “We will reject the Trump Administration’s attempts to erase the history and contributions from our communities that have made this country stronger. I’m honored to join Representative Salud Carbajal and my colleagues on César Chávez’s birthday to stand with our communities, continue his fight for justice, and build a country that upholds its values of fairness and equality for all.”

“César Chávez’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief in justice. His fight for fair wages, dignity, and respect for farmworkers transformed the labor movement and inspired generations to stand up for their rights,” said Rep. Barragán. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the values Chávez championed – ensuring every worker is treated with dignity, protected under the law, and given a fair shot at the American Dream.”

“As a fellow US Navy veteran, I've always admired Cesar Chavez's service in the Western Pacific in addition to his legacy of championing civil rights. As a union leader and labor organizer, Chavez dedicated his life to improving treatment, pay, and working conditions for our farm workers, a cause that is more important than ever in the face of Trump Administration attacks on workers and unions.  Cesar Chavez showed us what the power of organizing can accomplish and his legacy continues to live on," said Rep. Cisneros.

"I'm glad to join a resolution honoring labor rights hero César Chávez," said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. "As a former labor organizer, I carry on his fight for better wages and benefits every day. With workers’ rights under attack by the Trump administration, defending the right to organize is more important than ever."

"As the son of a Bracero and a proud Mexican American, I have long been inspired by César Chávez’s tireless work. I had the privilege of working with him when he brought his fight for labor rights to Chicago, and I remain deeply motivated by his belief in the power of organizing and putting workers first,” said Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García. "At a time when labor and civil rights are under unprecedented attack by the Trump administration, this César Chávez Day is not only a recognition but a call to action—to fight for justice and stand with workers everywhere.”

César E. Chávez was born in 1927, and as a child, he worked alongside his family laboring in the fields and vineyards of America's Southwest. After serving with distinction in the U.S. Navy, he returned to California and began advocating for safer working conditions and reasonable wages for farm workers and for outlawing child labor. 

He became National Director of the Community Service Organization, a Latino civil rights group, and later established the National Farm Workers Association, which would become the United Farm Workers of America.

Through non-violent protests, Chávez successfully fought for pension benefits, health care coverage, and fair wages for workers and became an inspiration for human rights causes globally.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

Reps. Luz Rivas, Nanette Díaz Barragán, Gil Cisneros, Jimmy Gomez, and Jesús "Chuy" García joined as original cosponsors.