On Monday, March 31, people across America will honor Cesar Chavez, the labor and civil rights activist whose work helped shape the rights of farm workers.
Born in 1927 in Yuma, Arizona and given the name of Cesario Estrada Chávez, the pacifist fighter won national recognition for his participation in the grape strike in Delano, California, initiated by Filipino farmworkers who demanded the minimum federal salary. The strike, and boycott of the sale of grapes, extended for five years and ascended to a civil rights movement, the
Chavez and his family came to California in the late 1930s, where they worked on fields throughout the state, according to United Farm Workers, which he co-founded. His efforts were “instrumental” in the passing of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act in 1975, which gave farmworkers the right to join a union and engage in collective bargaining, according to proclamation from Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022.
Sixty years later, the United Farm Workers is still fighting to improve working conditions. About 2.5 million men and women, most of them of Mexican ancestry, sustain food production in the U.S., essential workers for a $224 billion industry.
In California, the United Farm Workers, the California Federation of Labor Unions and SEIU California are assembling a march in Delano on Cesar Chavez Day, according to a news release. It’s in solidarity with immigrant workers and to denounce President Donald Trump’s policies on deportation, which are described as “an attack on the entire Latino community and working people.”
“My dad showed us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. His life serves as a blueprint for change, demonstrating that when we organize, persist, and stand together, we win,” said Paul Chavez, son of Cesar Chavez, in a statement. “The unparalleled threats immigrants, Latinos, and farmworkers are facing deserves a dignified response, and with today’s march, we honor the life of Cesar Chavez and send a clear signal: every single one of us has the power to better our lives when we stand together and fight for what’s right.”
Is Cesar Chavez Day a federal holiday?
In California, Cesar Chavez Day is a state holiday, according to the California Department of Human Resources. It’s a federal commemorative holiday as proclaimed by former President Barack Obama, although it’s not one of the holidays that require government offices to close, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Are banks open today on Cesar Chavez Day?
The U.S. Federal Reserve Banks are open on Cesar Chavez Day, and banks such as Chase, City National Bank, Wells Fargo and Bank of America are open. Generally, banks close on holidays designated by the U.S. Federal Reserve System, according to AARP.
Is USPS open today?
The United States Postal Service offices are open on Monday, March 31.
Is the DMV open today?
All California Department of Motor Vehicles offices are closed on Monday, March 31, according to its calendar.
Is school closed today?
There is no school for some school districts on Monday, March 31, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, according to its district calendar. In the case of San Diego Unified School District, Monday, March 31 marks the start of Spring Break. However, other school districts such as Coachella Valley Unified, Fresno Unified, Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified school districts hold instruction on Monday, March 31, according to their academic calendars. Parents and students should check with their school districts regarding school closures.
Arizona Republic reporter Clara Migoya contributed to this article.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at [email protected].
