Mexican-American Cesar Chavez was a prominent union leader and labor organizer. Hardened by his early experience as a migrant worker, Chavez founded the national farm workers association in 1962. His union joined with agricultural workers organizing committee in its first strike against grape growers in California, and the two organizations later merged to become the united farm workers. Stressing nonviolent methods, Chavez draw attention for his cause via boycotts, marches and hunger strikes. Despite conflicts with the teamsters union and legal barriers, he was able to secure raises and improve conditions for farm workers in California, Texas, Arizona and Florida.
