Dolores Huerta is a legendary leader within the farmworkers and civil rights movement who, along with César Chávez, co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW).

She was on hand for the recent dedication of the César E. Chavéz National Monument in Keene, California. It is a great tribute to the late labor leader, notes Huerta, and it represents “recognition of the farmworker, of the Latino community and of the immigrant community.”

Huerta continues to actively advocate for workers’ rights. She has recently joined efforts with other community leaders to urge a “NO” vote on Proposition 32. It is an attack on labor and would exacerbate problems in our schools, compromise public safety, and threaten access to health care.

Huerta understands the power that people can wield when they come together over a common cause. For farmworkers, in particular, organizing has brought about dramatic changes. These include the right to organize, protection from pesticides, overtime pay and even toilets in the fields.

But, in general, organized labor has been responsible for many workplace benefits. Huerta is quick to point out the 8-hour workday, workmen’s compensation, unemployment and disability insurance, fair wages, health care, etc.

“All the things that we enjoy today in terms of standards for workers,” she notes, “are because unions fought for these standards. This would not exist without organized labor.”

She also points out that the labor movement has brought about other benefits that profoundly impact our lives.

Public education

Early workers’ federations struggled for social reforms, such as the institution of free, public education. Even today, labor unions call upon organizing strategies and resources to build campaigns that push for educational equity, especially among low-income workers whose children often attend poorly performing schools.

They also support ballot initiatives that are good for schools like this year’s Proposition 30, which prevents $6 billion in schools cuts and puts money back into California’s schools and colleges. It will keep cops on the street, balance the state budget, protect taxpayers and protect health services. Dolores Huerta urges you to vote “YES” on Proposition 30.

Workplace safety

Throughout their history, unions have worked hard to enforce health and safety standards. After World War II, they played an increasingly important role in workplace safety. In the 1960s, political pressure led Congress to establish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the federal agency of the United States that regulates workplace safety and health in the United States.

Women’s rights

Challenges in the workplace for women have included unequal wages, discriminatory hiring and advancement practices, underrepresentation, job security issues, etc. Due to the efforts of the labor movement, many of these issues have been addressed. In addition, unions have garnered paid leaves for such family and family-related responsibilities as pregnancy, childrearing and caring for adult dependents.

“There’s still a lot of work we have to do,” says Huerta. That’s why it’s important for people to stay engaged. She urges you to vote in this November’s elections.

“We have to realize that we are the ones who can make the difference,” says Huerta. “We are the ones who elect the people who are going to make decisions over our lives . . .”

National Nurses United is the sponsor of this article.