UFW California Boycott Records

Collection

Identifier: LR002502

Staff Only

The records of the California boycott offices mainly consist of coordinators’ files, leaflets, grape and lettuce reports, legal actions against pesticide usage, and correspondence from boycott support organizations. Also, files documenting the attempt to defeat a California farm labor initiative, Proposition 22, is also prevalent throughout the collection.

Dates

1965 - 1980
Majority of material found in 1976 - 1976

Creator

United Farm Workers (Organization)

Language of Materials

Material in English and Spanish.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials. Restrictions: Researchers may encounter records of a sensitive nature – personnel files, case records and those involving investigations, legal and other private matters. Privacy laws and restrictions imposed by the Library prohibit the use of names and other personal information which might identify an individual, except with written permission from the Director and/or the donor.

Extent

7 Linear Feet (7 SB)

Additional Description

Abstract

The primary mission of the UFW California boycott offices was to alert the nation that farm laborers were looking for civil rights, as well as fairer wages. Cesar Chavez, president of the United Farm Workers Union believed that a non-violent boycott of grapes and lettuce would convey the message. The two main city offices were located in Los Angeles and San Francisco. These offices were primarily concerned with organizing letter-writing campaigns to growers, distributors (with special attention given to Safeway stores), and public officials. In addition, boycott organizers coordinated picketing campaigns against local stores for selling boycotted grapes and lettuce, and solicited support from local religious organizations, universities and labor unions.

History

Arrangement

Folders are listed by their location within each box. They are not necessarily arranged, so any given subject may be dispersed throughout the entire collection.