At El Centro, Austin Community College’s Latin American Center, we recognize the power of community and the importance of history in shaping our present. One key moment in labor and Chicano activism took place in the 1970s, when workers at Economy Furniture in Austin stood up against unfair wages and unsafe conditions, sparking the Austin Chicano Huelga. This strike, led by Chicano workers, would go on to make waves in the labor movement across Texas.
A pivotal figure in this struggle was Cesar Chavez, who, through his United Farm Workers (UFW), lent crucial support to the workers. While the workers were not farmworkers, Chavez saw the broader fight for justice, dignity, and fair treatment that connected all laborers. His involvement helped bring national attention to the strike and empowered the workers to push for better wages and working conditions.
The strike was more than just a fight for fair pay, it was a stand for dignity and community solidarity. Thanks to the support of organizations like the UFW, the workers of Economy Furniture were able to raise their voices and make history. Their fight inspired not only other labor movements but also became a key part of the Chicano civil rights movement in Austin and beyond.
This powerful story has been told in a documentary created by ACC’s Center for Public Policy and Political Studies. The documentary captures the significance of the Economy Furniture Strike, also called the Austin Chicano Huelga, and the role Cesar Chavez played in supporting the workers’ fight. Through archival footage, interviews, and historical insights, it sheds light on this pivotal moment in labor history. You can watch the documentary on Youtube.
We celebrate the courage and resilience of those who fought for workers’ rights in this important chapter of Austin’s history. The legacy of the Economy Furniture Strike and the role of Cesar Chavez reminds us that the struggle for justice continues, and the power of collective action is as vital today as it was then.
Tags: ACC District, Cesar Chavez, El Centro
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