Fear of Aliens’ Usurping Jobs Could Hurt Boycott

At a time when unemployment rates remain high in the United States, the massive use of illegal aliens in the state’s fields presents a dilemma for the United Farm Workers Union as it pursues a new boycott against California table grape growers.

UFW President Cesar Chavez says he is convinced the boycott will succeed because of sympathy for the plight of the impoverished farm worker. But such sympathy may not develop if the public continues to believe that jobs for American citizens are being lost to the alien workers.

Ironically, the alien issue is the reason why the union resorts to boycott tactics rather than calling strikes. While many, if not most, of the UFW’s members are here illegally, the union also finds it almost impossible to call a successful strike because of the seemingly unlimited supply of new aliens willing and even eager to replace strikers in the fields.

Easy to Find Replacements

UFW Vice President Dolores Huerta told a recent conference in Santa Barbara that when the union does call a strike in an attempt to get higher wages, “the growers can get 10 undocumented workers to replace every striker.”

Nevertheless, the UFW has consistently opposed the passage of laws to slow, if not halt, the flood of illegal aliens.

While those workers must often perform hard labor for less money than Americans can get on even the most meager welfare programs, the contrast between living standards in the United States and Mexico makes it obvious why millions cross the border regularly.

It is estimated by the Mexican government that wages for even the lowest paying farm job in this country are 10 times higher than the average paid to Mexican workers, both on farms and in factories.

40% Unemployed in Mexico

Unemployment in Mexico ranges around 40%, compared to the U.S. average of about 7%.