Delano Grape Strike

This twenty-third day of Filipino American History Month brings more detailed information on the Delano Grape Strike.

In June 1960, the American Federation of Labor chartered the Agricultural Worker's Organizing Committee (AWOC). Some Stockton organizers in the AWOC were Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, Cipriano "Rudy" Delvo, and Dolores Huerta. They would become integral parts of the labor movement, leading many protests, including the Delano Grape Strike.

The Delano Grape Strike began on September 5, 1965, when the AWOC called a strike against 33 grape growers near Delano California. By September 8, 1965, the 2,000 mostly Filipino members of the AWOC had walked out. When the AWOC approached the National Farm Workers Union (NFWU), led by Cesar Chavez to join the strike, the NFWU declined out of “not being ready.” On September 16, the NFWU joined the strike.

The strength of the united organizations was not to be ignored. In 1967, the AWOC and the NFWU formed the United Farm Workers Union-AFL/CIO (UFW). Cesar Chavez was elected President, and Larry Itliong became Assistant Director. Philip Vera Cruz was elected Vice President, and Pete Velasco became Treasurer.

The grape strike catapulted Cesar Chavez into the national spotlight, but the Filipino leaders received little recognition for their efforts. While the role of individuals of Philippine descent in the grape strike is often overlooked, it is a hope that every group's contribution to history is acknowledged.