The UFW and Farm Worker Actions in Washington, Oregon, Idaho 1965-1976

When ethnic Mexican farm workers led by Cesar Chavez joined with Filipino American workers led by Larry Itliong in 1965 to strike grape growers in Delano, California, the modern farm workers movement was born. Operating initially as two organizations--the National Farm Workers Association and the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee--they merged in 1966 to become the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee and later the UFW. That same year, the union spread beyond California as it launched a national grape boycott and inspired farm worker organizing in other states. The UFW soon became active in the Pacific Northwest. Boycott committees formed in the cities and on college campuses. Farm worker organizing campaigns took root in the Yakima Valley where in 1970 workers struck hop growers.

Below is an interactive map showing year by year actions across the three state region. It is hosted by Tableau Public and may take a few seconds to respond. If slow, refresh the page.

 

Sources:El Macriado, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Seattle Times

Research and data compilation: Katie Anastas

Maps: James Gregory