- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Farmworkers Day Marks Turning Point in Labor History
Allegations against Chávez legacy prompt shift in annual observance
Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:57pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The annual observance of Farmworkers Day reflects the complex and often troubled history of the labor movement that supports some of society's most vulnerable workers.NYC TodayMarch 31, 2026 marks a somber turning point in American labor history, as the annual observance traditionally known as César Chávez Day has been widely refocused this year as Farmworkers Day. This shift follows a recent New York Times investigation that detailed credible allegations against the late labor leader's legacy.
Why it matters
The Farmworkers Day observance highlights the complex and often troubled history of the farmworker movement in the United States, which has long struggled with issues of worker exploitation, racism, and leadership accountability. The refocusing of the annual commemoration reflects an ongoing reckoning within the labor community.
The details
The New York Times report alleged that César Chávez, the iconic co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, was complicit in the mistreatment of some farmworkers under his leadership. The investigation uncovered evidence that Chávez at times sided with growers against workers and used questionable tactics to maintain control over the union.
- March 31, 2026 is the date traditionally observed as César Chávez Day.
- This year, the annual observance has been refocused as Farmworkers Day.
The players
César Chávez
The late co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, whose legacy has come under scrutiny in recent investigations.
United Farm Workers
The labor union co-founded by César Chávez that played a pivotal role in the farmworker movement.
What they’re saying
“The farmworker movement has always been complex, and we must be willing to confront the difficult truths about its history in order to move forward.”
— Maria Hernandez, Labor historian
The takeaway
The refocusing of the annual observance as Farmworkers Day represents an important shift in how we commemorate and reflect on the legacy of the farmworker movement, underscoring the need for continued accountability and progress in supporting some of the most vulnerable workers in our society.
