Before you watch the documentary

1Review the information contained in your trackstar activity on migrant farm workers. This will help you better understand the context for the actions contained in the documentary.

2.Read the information below on labor unions

What is a union? A union is an organization which has as one of its purposes to collectively bargain the wages, hours and conditions of employment of a particular group of employees. It acts as an exclusive representative for these purposes. In order for the union to become an exclusive representative, a sufficient number of employees must show an interest in being represented.

How does a union become an exclusive representative for a group of workers? There are two ways that this can occur. A union can collect enough authorization cards from workers. It will need to collect cards from over 50% of the designated group of employees (called a bargaining unit) to automatically become a collective bargaining representative. It can also happen by a vote.

Source:

KEY: The issues for the migrant farm workers in California

a.Being allowed to form a union

b.Being able to choose the union to represent them

3.Take a look at the key people you will learn about in the documentary

Governors of California

Ronald Reagan, Republican, 1967-1976

Jerry Brown, Democrat, 1976-1983

George Deukmejian, Republican, 1983-1991

United Farm Workers (UFW): key players

Cesar Chavez

Gilbert Padilla

Dolores Huerta

Robert (Bobby) Kennedy

Brother of John F. Kennedy

Seeking the Democratic Nomination for President in 1968; he was killed in Los Angeles just after giving a victory speech; he had just won the California Democratic Primary with Chavez’s help

Wife was Ethel Kennedy

4.Consider the historical context in which the documentary takes place (1960s-1970s)

Civil Rights Era

Anti-War Movement

Cold War and fear of communism

Era of Strength for Labor Unions including

  • United Auto Workers (UAW): Walter Reuther, President; supported the UFW
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Farm owners, in an attempt to keep power out of the hands of the UFW, make an agreement with the Teamsters to have the Teamsters represent the workers. This was done without the workers advise or consent

As you watch the documentary

Complete the following chart as you watch the documentary. It will be collected at the end of the second day of viewing.

Questions / Answers (explain – no need for complete sentences)
Life and those who influenced Cesar Chavez
Problems faced by California farm workers
History: What ethnic groups worked in California farm fields?
Description of those people and politicians who helped the movement
Goals and outcome of strike
Goals and outcome of boycott

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