Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor, under the leadership of Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, paid tribute to Larry Dulay Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and Peter Gines Velasco, who led the Delano Grape Strike against the powerful grape industry growers for higher wages and better working conditions.
These Filipino leaders fought from 1965-1970 to improve labor rights which cemented the legacy of Filipino workers as catalysts for change in the agricultural industry. The strike began on September 18, 1965, in Delano, California, when members of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), composed predominantly of Filipino workers, walked out of grape vineyards. At the forefront of this were Filipino leaders like Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and Peter Gines Velasco, who demanded a raise in wages from $1.25 to $1.40 per hour, along with housing, and appropriate pesticide use, to lessen harm to the farm workers’ health.
For decades, farm workers – many of them immigrants – had endured grueling hours in the fields under the harsh California sun, often without access to adequate housing, healthcare, or job security. The AWOC members had grown tired of the exploitative system and decided to take a stand. A pivotal moment came when AWOC sought the support of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), led by Mexican-American leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. With initial hesitation, the NFWA eventually joined forces with AWOC, which united Filipino and Mexican Farm workers. This monumental collaboration created the United Farm Workers (UFW) in 1966, merging both organizations and strengthening the movement. They also fought to have a retirement home called Agbayani Village, for the farm workers without family members to take care of them.
During the ceremony, those in attendance heard the Philippine National Anthem, and a musical performance by the cast of Larry the Musical, a musical based on the book “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong” by Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta. Acting Secretary Su then presented medals to the 3 manongs’ family members, as they all talked about the ways the 3 Filipino leaders made a difference.
The U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor was established in 1988 to recognize the accomplishments and impact of groups and individuals on the nation’s workforce and workplaces. It can be found inside the north plaza of the department’s headquarters in the Frances Perkins Building.
