On Cesar Chavez Day, Poder Latinx Demands Legislation for Better Working Conditions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 31, 2022
CONTACT:
Jackie Smith | 989-576-1996 jsmith@poderlatinx.org
On Cesar Chavez Day, Poder Latinx Demands Legislation for Better Working Conditions
WASHINGTON – Today, Poder Latinx commemorates the anniversary of one of the nation’s most remarkable labor and civil rights activists of the 20th century, Cesar Chavez. As a pathway to citizenship and required paid leave continue to elude immigrant farmworkers and other essential workers across the country it’s more important than ever to honor Chavez’s legacy. We must honor all those advocates who work to ensure our immigrants and farmworkers have humane living and working conditions and continue the fight for legislation that would improve the lives of all workers.
The following statement comes from Yadira Sanchez, executive director of Poder Latinx:
“Cesar Chavez is a symbol of hope for a more prosperous America. As a farmworker himself, Chavez knew what it was like to work without employment benefits and workplace protections. He worked to take his successful movement from the fields into our cities, creating unity among workers and paving the way for various movements today, including the fight for a pathway to citizenship, paid leave for all, and environmental justice initiatives.
Workers have always been the backbone of our country, and the pandemic has shone a light on this truth with its heightened reliance on essential workers. It's a shame and embarrassment that many immigrant workers and their families do not have access to paid leave, a pathway to citizenship, and environmental provisions to keep them safe and healthy. Many hazardous working conditions continue to exist today in the fields dominated by immigrants, such as construction and agriculture. Whether it is exposure to extreme climate conditions like heat waves and wildfires, or pesticide exposure, our workers must report to work every day to earn some income and keep America operating.
We must uphold Chavez’s legacy and continue his work to pass legislation that safeguards workers’ rights through access to paid leave, a pathway to citizenship, and environmental investments. Poder Latinx calls on Congress to create safe and humane work policies for our workers this year. It is our duty to ensure a promising and better future for our future generations. There is no better time to enact paid leave, vast environmental protections, and a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers than amidst a global pandemic. Si, Se Puede!”