March 18, 2026 – We have been following recent news regarding the New York Times’ investigation concerning Cesar Chavez, and we unequivocally condemn his actions. We are horrified to know that women and children were abused as they joined the movement to fight for farmworkers. 

The Inland Empire Labor Council stands in solidarity with Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, Dolores Huerta, and all other survivors; they deserve justice and healing. This movement is theirs. The contributions, victories, and sacrifices of farmworkers and their families will never be forgotten. 

Our movement must put our full strength behind them and ensure that this harm does not continue. As the AFL-CIO has stated, no legacy can excuse the harm perpetrated by Cesar Chavez. Organized labor has never been about individuals but about people standing together and taking collective action. We don’t build idols–we build movements.   

We feel the full responsibility of building a better movement. We need to build organizations that are strong enough to hold leaders accountable and rooted enough to outlast them. So we can continue to lift our people, our history, our struggle, and our shared fight for dignity. 

As we continue to honor farmworkers and their families, we support the call to rename streets, buildings, and holidays, as well as the removal of any memorials to Cesar Chavez.  

Ricardo Cisneros
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Inland Empire Labor Council, AFL-CIO