Today, we pay homage to the legacy of Cesar Chavez, a labor leader who had a lifelong commitment to social justice and dignity of essential workers. Chavez’s unwavering activism not only secured the safety and rights of agricultural workers but also served as a guiding light for the labor rights movement. Despite the strides made through his efforts, there remains much ground to cover.
The recent tragedy of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by essential workers, who often work in dangerous environments and in extreme weather and because of this bear a disproportionate burden of fatality rates. Essential workers are more than their labor-they have dreams, aspirations, and dignity. Like everyone else, they want a better future for their children and families. In honoring Chavez’s legacy, we must support workers’ rights and champion reforms that ensure workplace safety and fair treatment for ALL essential workers regardless of their immigration status.