es of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions and sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all the farm workers. It was the beginning of La Causa, a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities and students.That same year, the red and black flag with the UFW eagle was designed. Cesar made reference to the flag by saying: A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pridewhen people see it, they know it means dignity.Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon, as Chavez was firmly against violence. The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws, which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Within months, Chavezs union gained national recognition.An important event that helped Chavezs union gain support from other unions and from farm workers was the termination of the Bracero Program, an informal arrangement between the United States and Mexican governments, as a program to provide Mexican agricultural workers to growers. The growers liked the Bracero Program and wanted it to continue still after World War Two precisely in order to replace domestic workers demanding higher wages and because it made it hard for anyone to organize a farm workers union. Because of pressure from organized labor and other Mexican-American rights groups, the government cancelled the Bracero Program in 1964.The union striked against the grape growers and intentionally chose September 16, the Mexican Independence Day to begin their fight. Choosing this day over any other day brought together many proud people. Banners of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, and other Mexican symbols became an integral part of rallies and marches. The Mexican and U.S. flags were prominen...
