Larry Itliong and the Grape Strike

Larry Itliong was a leader who helped change history for farmworkers in America. In 1965, he led Filipino American farmworkers in Delano, California, to demand better pay and safer conditions. These workers picked grapes all day in the hot sun, but they were paid very little. Many lived in poor houses and had no rights at work.

Larry Itliong saw that things needed to change. He and other leaders asked the grape growers for higher pay. When the growers said no, the workers decided to go on strike. This means they stopped working to show how important their work was. On September 8, 1965, over 1,000 Filipino American workers walked out of the vineyards. This became known as the Delano grape strike.

Itliong knew that the strike would be stronger if more people joined. He reached out to Cesar Chavez and Mexican American farmworkers. At first, not everyone agreed, but soon the two groups joined together. This was the beginning of a powerful union called the United Farm Workers (UFW). Together, they worked to protect the rights of all farmworkers.

The workers also started a boycott of grapes. They asked people all over America not to buy grapes until the growers agreed to fair pay. Many people supported the boycott. Stores and families stopped buying grapes. The strike and boycott lasted for five years. It was hard work, but the workers did not give up.

Finally, in 1970, the grape growers signed contracts with the union. The workers got better pay, safer jobs, and respect. Larry Itliong’s leadership helped make this happen. Even though Cesar Chavez is more famous, Itliong and the Filipino workers were the first to start the strike. Their bravery made a difference for all farmworkers in America.

Interesting Fact: The Delano grape strike inspired people across the country to support farmworker rights. It also showed how people from different backgrounds can work together for justice.