Union Officials Back Chavez in 25th Day of Water-Only Fast

DELANO, Calif. — Cesar Chavez concluded the 25th day of his water-only fast Wednesday after two union officials representing nearly 3 million workers backed his boycott of California table grapes.

“Cesar has raised the ante. He has made us feel ashamed,” said Gerald McEntee, president of the 1-million-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

McEntee vowed to send letters to 3,000 union locals throughout the country next week, urging members to support the 4-year-old boycott of California table grapes.

The 61-year-old Chavez remained bedridden but in stable condition Wednesday. He enters the 26th day of his water-only fast today, exceeding the length of his 1968 fast to gain recognition of the United Farm Workers union. Chavez has not said when or if he plans to resume eating.

‘Soul of Labor Movement’

“Cesar Chavez in the minds of many of us represents the soul of the American labor movement,” said Jack Henning, secretary-treasurer of the 1.9-million-member California Labor Federation.

Henning later acknowleged that the boycott has not taken hold throughout the state but said the public is beginning to realize the sacrifice by Chavez and his message.

“The implementation of a boycott in the long term is not an easy task. We have a renewal here through Cesar’s fast,” Henning said.

Chavez on July 17 announced he was fasting in order to protest the use of five pesticides--captan, dinoseb, methyl bromide, parathion and phosdrin--which he says endanger field workers and their families.

The boycott also was to protest the union’s lack of contracts among California table grape growers.