I began my research by finding out the long term trends in hispanic/latino labor, which unsurprisingly corresponded with the immigration and emigration of this group of people. When jobs were in high demand, such as after the Immigration Act of 1924 (asians could not immigrate, employers needed low waged workers), and during WWII when agriculture needs skyrocketed as farmers moved into cities, many hispanics moved in to take the vacant places. Conversely when Americans started to blame the great depression on hispanics, many returned to Mexico. Today, despite intese efforts to prevent illegal immigration, the American economy depends on these low wage workers.
After looking into the general trends in labor, I began focusing on labor movements. A central leader in gaining rights for Mexican/ latino workers was Cesar Chavez. He created the United Farm Workers of America, which worked for better working conditions, benefits, and higher pay. A major event in the progress in labor issues was the Great Grape Boycott, which resulted in three year contracts with better conditions for workers. The UFW continued working amongst agricultural programs, such as strawberry and lettuce field workers.
You are definitely hitting on a few key topics here. Is there a question that you have that the information you have here in both paragaraphs might help you answer.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, you mention many Mexicans returning to Mexico during the Depression-was this voluntary or forced? Check out Mexican Repatriation to find out more.