United Farm Workers Cancels Cesar Chavez Celebrations Over Allegations

Union cites 'deeply troubling allegations' about its co-founder's behavior

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:23am

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The United Farm Workers union announced it will not participate in annual celebrations honoring its co-founder Cesar Chavez this month, citing 'deeply troubling allegations' about Chavez's behavior that the union says are 'incompatible with our organization's values.' The union did not provide specifics on the allegations, stating it does not have firsthand knowledge of the claims and that it is not their 'story to tell.' The Cesar Chavez Foundation expressed shock and sadness over the 'disturbing allegations' and said it is working with farmworker movement leaders to respond.

Why it matters

Cesar Chavez was a revered Mexican-American labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers union and fought for fair wages, humane treatment and safer working conditions for California's farmworkers through nonviolent protests. His legacy and the annual celebrations honoring him are deeply important to the farmworker community, so the decision by the UFW to cancel these events over serious allegations is a significant development.

The details

The UFW said it learned of 'deeply troubling allegations' about Chavez's behavior that revealed he 'behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization's values.' The union stated it has not received any direct reports and does not have firsthand knowledge of the allegations, adding that some of the reports are 'not our story to tell or our place to comment on.' The Cesar Chavez Foundation said it is 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the 'disturbing allegations' and is working with farmworker movement leaders to respond. The UFW is instead calling on allies and supporters to participate in 'Immigration justice events and acts of service to support farmworkers' in place of the usual Cesar Chavez Day celebrations.

  • Cesar Chavez Day is observed annually on March 31 in California.

The players

United Farm Workers

A labor union co-founded by Cesar Chavez that is devoted to defending the rights of farmhands and field workers across the country.

Cesar Chavez

A Mexican-American farm labor leader who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America. He fought for fair wages, humane treatment and safer working conditions for California's farmworkers through nonviolent marches, boycotts and fasts.

Cesar Chavez Foundation

An organization that works to preserve and promote the legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement.

Dolores Huerta

A civil rights activist and labor leader who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Cesar Chavez.

Juan Jose Gutierrez

Executive director of the Full Rights for Immigrant Coalition who collaborated with Cesar Chavez in providing legal help for agricultural workers.

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What they’re saying

“We have not received any direct reports, and we do not have any firsthand knowledge of these allegations. Some of the reports are not our story to tell or our place to comment on.”

— United Farm Workers

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the disturbing allegations that have come to light. We are working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations and to support people who may have been harmed.”

— Cesar Chavez Foundation

“It's a bitter pill to swallow because I mean, Cesar Chavez is an icon. Children, even now, know about Cesar Chavez and many generations before him were inspired by him... He's revered and admired in the community.”

— Juan Jose Gutierrez, Executive director of the Full Rights for Immigrant Coalition

What’s next

The United Farm Workers and the Cesar Chavez Foundation said they are setting up a confidential channel for those who want to share any harmful experiences, as well as a process to implement accountability measures.

The takeaway

The decision by the United Farm Workers to cancel Cesar Chavez celebrations over serious allegations about his behavior has sent shockwaves through the farmworker community, where Chavez is revered as an iconic civil rights leader. The union's move to address these allegations transparently and implement accountability measures will be closely watched as it grapples with the complex legacy of its co-founder.