Cannery and Agricultural Workers' Industrial Union facts for kids
The Cannery and Agricultural Workers Industrial Union (CAWIU) was a group that helped workers in California during the early 1930s. It was connected to the Communist Party. CAWIU organizers supported people working in California's farms and food canning factories.
The CAWIU started in 1929. It was part of a larger group called the Trade Union Unity League (TUUL). At this time, more factories were being built, and many people moved to cities for work. Many immigrant workers also arrived. This meant there were lots of people looking for jobs. Farmers and big businesses wanted workers for their fields. They often hired seasonal workers who moved from place to place. These companies sometimes paid very low wages and offered poor working conditions.
The CAWIU was formed to stand up for the rights of these migrant workers. They wanted better pay and fairer treatment. However, the CAWIU faced big challenges. They were up against powerful farm owners and even the government. In the end, the CAWIU was not able to win all its battles. When the Trade Union Unity League stopped operating, the CAWIU also ended. Later, a new group called the United Cannery, Agricultural, Packing, and Allied Workers of America (UCAPAWA) took its place.
Why CAWIU Was Formed
The CAWIU faced many difficulties trying to bring workers together. It was seen as an independent group, so it didn't get much help from other worker organizations. Also, because it focused on farm workers, it was cut off from support in cities.
Farm workers in places like the Imperial Valley faced very tough conditions. In 1927, a smart economist named Paul Taylor visited the area. He reported that about 20,000 Mexican immigrants worked in the fields. Many worked 9 to 10 hours a day. In summer, temperatures could go above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). They earned very little money. They also suffered from an unfair system run by labor contractors.
The CAWIU tried to help these workers by organizing strikes and protests. But local authorities and a group called the Associated Farmers often stopped these efforts with force. Other things also made it hard for CAWIU to succeed. Workers came from many different backgrounds. They moved often for seasonal jobs. Also, different crops needed workers at different times. This made it hard to organize everyone and keep their efforts strong.
Some people also thought that city factory workers were more important than farm workers. This made it harder for farm workers to get support.
CAWIU's Actions
In May 1928, the CAWIU sent letters to farm owners. They asked for higher wages and better working conditions. They wanted things like ice for drinking water, proper picking sacks, and wood to build outhouses. They also asked for fair payment if workers got hurt on the job.
Leaders of the strikes were stopped by authorities. Farm owners fought back by hiring groups like the Associated Farmers. These groups used threats and fear to stop workers from joining the union.
Big Strikes of 1933
In 1933, many strikes happened across California. They started in April with pea pickers in Santa Clara. Strikes continued through the summer and fall as different crops were ready for harvest. The biggest strike was the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Strike. This was the largest farm worker strike in American history.
More than 47,500 farm workers took part in the 1933 strikes. The Cannery and Agricultural Workers Industrial Union (CAWIU) led 24 of these strikes. About 37,500 workers were involved in the strikes led by CAWIU.
Strikes in 1934
In 1934, the CAWIU called for a big strike of lettuce and vegetable workers. The workers demanded a raise of 35 cents. They also wanted a minimum five-hour workday, clean water, free rides to and from work, and for the union to be officially recognized.
Again, authorities reacted strongly. Many people were stopped and meetings were not allowed. People were stopped just for being suspected of supporting the strike. The unfair treatment continued until the government stepped in to try and find a peaceful solution.
In the end, the CAWIU could not win against the strong alliance of farm owners, and the state government. When the Trade Union Unity League (TUUL) stopped its work, the CAWIU also broke up. However, its efforts paved the way for a new organization, the United Cannery, Agricultural, Packing and Allied Workers of America (UCAPAWA).
