It was a day of action in San Diego Thursday. It was Cesar Chavez Day.
More than 1,500 pro-union demonstrators many blue- and white-collar workers – marched through downtown San Diego on a hot sunny day to pay tribute to the late farm labor leader and humanitarian on his state birthday holiday.
Marchers, many wearing shirts or holding signs that said "We are One," demonstrated in front of banks, government offices, hotels and businesses that organized labor leaders said were hostile to unions.
Speakers focused on everything from proposed cuts to public education to government bailout of banks and banks' roles in the foreclosure crisis and heated defense of workers' rights.
"Cesar Chavez was about helping the most vulnerable, those most at risk, immigrant farm workers, helping them to achieve the American Dream. That's why we honor him today," said Lorena Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer and CEO of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.
"But you know what's scary? It's not just the most vulnerable who need to be brought up and who need to reclaim the American dream. It's low-wage workers, the working poor and the middle class worker, as well. The American dream is at stake for each and everyone of you and that's what's scary about Cesar Chavez Day today."
The fourth annual Cesar Chavez Day March began at San Diego City College to help bring attention to a proposal to cut $800 million from state community colleges to help balance California's budget. The cuts will be much less if the state is able to extend temporary tax increases, which will require state voter approval.
Speakers railed against Republican state lawmakers for refusing to support placing the tax extension issue before voters and thereby increasing the likelihood that community colleges will have to turn away thousands of students due to the budget cuts.
"This is slamming the door on opportunity for the poorest students and students of color in the state, murdering the future of California," said Jim Mahler, president of American Federation of Teachers Guild Local 1931 that represents faculty and staff in the San Diego Community College District.
Bill Freeman, president of the San Diego Education Association that represents elementary and secondary teachers, took aim at efforts to erode workers' rights, most notably in Wisconsin, where collective bargaining rights have been targeted.
"Wisconsin is right around the corner. We are under attack. We have to come together," Freeman said.
Leonel.sanchez@sandiegored.com
