Observance of Labor History Week, State Holiday Honoring César Chávez Encouraged

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4952&Itemid=2

Written by Imperial Valley News
Monday, 30 March 2009

Sacramento, California - California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today urged schools to offer classroom activities and events so students may better understand why California annually commemorates the importance of Labor History Week and César E. Chávez Day.

Signed into California law in 2002, Labor History Week will be celebrated March 29 through April 4, 2009, during which falls the state holiday honoring César Chávez, the legendary civil rights leader and United Farm Workers co-founder who was born March 31, 1927 and died April 23, 1993.

The purpose of Labor History Week is to encourage schools to commemorate this week with appropriate educational exercises that make pupils aware of the role the labor movement has played in shaping California and the United States.

"Students should appreciate that the many protections and benefits enjoyed in the workplace today were brought about by the labor movement, such as the minimum wage, the eight-hour day, child labor laws, meal breaks, and safety laws – even the advent of the weekend," said O’Connell.

"These rights that now are considered fundamental in the American workplace were established only because of the sacrifices made by many courageous men and women. We should honor and celebrate their commitment and legacy. César Chávez was a labor leader and civil rights activist who remained fully committed to establishing, improving, and protecting farm workers through peaceful means and through education. He always will be an inspiration to me, and I hope his humanity and struggle to improve the lives of others will be recognized by students today and by generations to come."

FULL story at link.