Texas Farm Workers Union

The Texas Farm Workers Union (TFWU) was established in August 1975 under the leadership of Antonio Orendain. Wanting a union that was accountable to them, a core of Rio Grande Valley farmworkers supported the foundation of the TFWU. From its inception the union had a difficult time. In addition to the opposition of the growers, the union did not gain the support of the United Farm Workers Union or the AFL-CIO. With little or no funding, the union resorted to "hit-and run" strike tactics to make its point. Despite the financial problems it faced, the TFWU was able to focus the media spotlight on the plight of farmworkers. They campaigned for the establishment of a Texas Agricultural Board and the right of farmworkers to vote on union representation, but legislation died in subcommittee. In late February 1977 union members started a 420-mile march from San Juan to Austin. It ended on April 2 at the state capitol building. To gain more public support for their cause, Orendain led forty union members on a historical 1,600-mile march from Austin to Washington, DC. The journey started on June 18, 1977 and ended at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on September 5, 1977. Unable to maintain firm financial backing, the union continued to have a sporadic existence until its demise in the mid-1980s.

From the guide to the Texas Farm Workers Union Collection 22870111., 1977-1980, (Benson Latin American Collection, The University of Texas at Austin)