The Cesar Chavez National Holiday Coalition is currently campaigning for a day of national recognition for the deceased civil rights leader. The coalition plans to petition Congress, asking that March 31 be designated Cesar Chavez Day.
Most of the support for the national holiday comes from the Southwestern states, many of which already recognize Chavez with a state holiday.
In January of this year, Congressman Rep. Joe Baca (D-California) introduced a resolution in support of a Chavez national holiday.
“The creation of a national holiday will not only honor a great man but also educate Americans about Cesar Chavez and help ensure his legacy continues to inspire others to fight for the fair and just treatment of workers,” said Baca in a statement on his Web site.
Chavez, who from a young age worked as a migrant farm worker, experienced the exploitation and lack of rights that many migrant workers were subjected to.
In 1962 he founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became United Farm Workers union. Throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Chavez was an active and outspoken leader in the movement for migrant farmers rights.
Chavez was heavily influenced by Mohandas K. Gandhi’s practice of non-violent resistance. He was also influenced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work in the Southern civil rights movement. Through a series of peaceful protests, strikes and boycotts he was able to organize migrant workers successfully and improve their working conditions.
Supporters of the plan say Chavez should be recognized because of the national attention he attracted to the struggles of migrant farm workers and his non-violent approach in doing so.
Some opposed to the addition of a new national holiday say the extra costs businesses would incur are unfair. By law, companies must pay their employees for national holidays.
Currently there are 10 national holidays observed by the United States government. Two of the national holidays recognize important U.S. historical figures: Martin Luther King Jr. and George Washington. If recognized, Chavez would be the first Hispanic to be honored with a national holiday.