The United Farm Workers Stand Up for Fairness — Reading Comprehension

During the 1960s, many farmworkers in California worked long hours for very little pay. They picked fruits and vegetables under the hot sun. Their homes were often crowded, and they did not have clean water or safe places to sleep. Many farmworkers were from Mexico or the Philippines. They wanted better lives for their families.

Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta believed that farmworkers deserved fairness. They started a group called the United Farm Workers, or UFW. Chavez said, "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community." Together, they planned ways to help workers get better pay and safer working conditions.

In 1965, grape pickers in Delano, California, went on strike. A strike is when workers stop working to show they want change. The UFW supported the strike. Dolores Huerta helped lead marches and spoke at meetings. The workers asked people not to buy grapes until the farms treated workers fairly. This was called a boycott.

Many people across America supported the grape boycott. Schools, churches, and families stopped buying grapes. The support grew stronger. Cesar Chavez led a 300-mile march to Sacramento, California. He said, "Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed." The march showed how brave and united the workers were.

After years of marching and boycotting, the farm owners agreed to meet with the UFW. In 1970, some grape growers signed contracts with the workers. The contracts promised better pay, rest breaks, and safer places to work. This was a big victory for farmworkers and their families.

The work of the United Farm Workers helped change laws for all farmworkers in California. Today, people remember Chavez and Huerta for their courage and leadership. Their actions showed that when people work together, they can make life better for everyone.

Interesting Fact: Dolores Huerta created the phrase "Sí, se puede," which means "Yes, we can." It became a famous saying for many people who fight for fairness.

Who started the United Farm Workers?

What fruit did workers ask people not to buy?

Where did the 300-mile march end?

Why did farmworkers go on strike?

What did the contracts promise?

How did people support the strike?

The United Farm Workers helped farmworkers. True or false?

What does 'boycott' mean?