Starting Tuesday June 29, a series of marches and rallies against INS intimidation and for legalization and union rights-- launched by the United Farm Workers Union and joined by the whole labor movement-- will sweep through immigrant communities of the Salinas, Pajaro, San Benito and south Santa Clara valleys.

The campaign promises to be bigger and broader than anything since the historic strike movements of the 1970s. If successful, this may be a turning point in the long struggle for union rights for 50,000 unorganized immigrant workers in the fields and packing sheds of the Central Coast.

The campaign begins with a five-day march that begins Tuesday, June 29, at 8 AM at the King City Park. On Tuesday evening marchers will rally at Patriot Park in Greenfield after marching through the town. Marches and rallies will follow each day, moving north to Soledad, Gonzalez, Chualar and arriving in Salinas on Saturday. A similar campaign will move through towns to the north of Salinas during the following week, arriving again in Salinas on Sunday July 11.

Audio: Yadira Speaks About the June 29 - July 3 Pilgrimage Supporting Immigrants and Farm Workers

[ United Farm Workers I Monterey Bay Central Labor Council I Take Action for AgJobs S.1645 ]