The UFW is also looking for ways to address more directly the problems of its women members.

And while acknowledging the epic battles of its early years, it is coming to terms with a new group of California growers, some of whom see an advantage in cooperation, even though others still want a fight to the death. Internally the union is trying to reflect more accurately its members. This is more than a changing of the guard. The UFW has had only two presidents in 50 years: Before Rodriguez, it was Cesar Chavez. But they want to be paid equally, and treated respectfully.'Īfter 25 years as president of the United Farm Workers, Arturo Rodriguez is retiring in December, and the union has selected an immigrant woman to replace him. If growers are worried about a labor shortage, there are women out there who can do the work. I've seen some older women in their 50s doing work that some younger people can't. 'Women can do everything, and we want the opportunity to do it. I don't know what the reason was, but whatever it was, it was wrong. 'There was a time when they didn't hire women for some jobs. 'In some crews a majority of the workers are women,' she says. Although she's never worked in the fields, she believes her gender gives her a close connection to the lives of the women who do.Īfter her election by the union's executive board on August 28 (the next convention in 2020 will make a permanent choice), Romero's first field visit was to lettuce and broccoli harvesters working in Salinas for the D'Arrigo Brothers Company. She became secretary-treasurer, but not president.ĭoes it make a difference? The UFW has chosen a new president, Teresa Romero, who says it does. Dolores Huerta, the union's fiery co-founder, faced down growers and negotiated many of the union's contracts.

Women make up almost one-third of all agricultural laborers, but the presidents and most top leaders of the United Farm Workers have invariably been men.

Teresa romero ufw