Standing with Workers: Celebrating Filipino Labor Leaders’ Induction into the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor
By Christine Start
On November 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM EST, I witnessed a profound victory for the labor movement at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. With fierce devotion to workers’ rights and a heart full of pride, I watched as Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and Pete Velasco were inducted into the Labor Hall of Honor—a recognition long overdue for these pioneering Filipino American labor leaders, who were instrumental in the historic Delano Grape Strike.
“I’m honored to induct Larry Dulay Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and Peter Gines Velasco into the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor, where they take their rightful place among giants in the labor movement who have shaped the fabric of American history,” declared Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su during the historic morning ceremony. Her words acknowledged a truth that had been overlooked for far too long in American labor history.
The story of these leaders began in 1959 with the creation of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC). While history books often focus on other figures, it was Larry Itliong who took the bold first step in September 1965, leading over 1,500 Filipino farmworkers in a strike against ten vineyards. Ironically, Itliong earned the nickname “Seven Fingers” after a work-related accident. These Filipino American workers, driven by a vision for justice, were the catalysts of the five-year Delano Grape Strike.
But the true power of their action was revealed when Itliong, recognizing the potential strength of collective action, reached out to Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, leaders of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which consisted largely of Mexican workers. This collaboration between Filipino and Mexican laborers—two communities connected by shared experiences of discrimination—became a groundbreaking moment in the struggle for labor rights. Their combined effort led to the formation of the United Farm Workers (UFW) in 1967. This partnership transformed the Delano Grape Strike from a localized protest into a powerful, nationwide movement that used boycotts and demonstrations to draw attention to the abysmal working conditions in agriculture. Their success in achieving significant labor reforms marked a pivotal moment in American history.
As an attorney dedicated to representing workers in catastrophic injury cases, wage theft claims, and employment discrimination matters, witnessing this recognition struck a deep chord with our firm’s forty-year mission of fighting for justice when workers and families are harmed. The induction ceremony was made even more powerful by the cast of LARRY: The Musical, whose performance reminded us that behind every workplace injury, every wage theft claim, and every class action lawsuit are real families fighting for their rights and dignity.
I made the conscious decision to bring my five-year-old son, Luca, on a red-eye flight to witness this historic moment, fully aware of the challenges that time zones would pose. Though he slept through much of the ceremony, his presence was meaningful. Just as Filipino American labor leaders fought to ensure their children would have better working conditions, I wanted my son to be there as we finally honored these pioneers who transformed workplace justice in America. The post-ceremony celebrations were enriched by conversations with community leaders like Tita Cynthia Bonta, whose lifetime of activism reminds us that the fight for workers’ rights is, at its core, a fight for family survival and community well-being.
The legacy of these leaders lives on in every case we handle. Whether we are representing families who have lost loved ones in workplace accidents, fighting for workers cheated out of their rightful wages, taking on complex class actions to challenge systematic exploitation, or standing up against employment discrimination, their influence is ever-present. These Filipino labor leaders understood that protecting workers requires a comprehensive approach—from organizing for better conditions to using every available legal tool to hold employers accountable. It was their tactical fortitude in the labor movement that has significantly influenced the ongoing fight for economic and racial justice today.
This historic recognition strengthens our resolve to continue their work. By honoring these labor movement heroes, we reaffirm our commitment to the principle they embodied: every worker deserves a safe workplace, fair compensation, and protection from discrimination. Securing these rights requires unwavering advocacy, both in and out of the courtroom.
20 November 2024 – Washington, DC – Acting US Secretary of Labor Julie Su hosts the induction ceremony for the Filipino Farmworkers – Larry Dulay Itliong, Philip Villamin Vera Cruz, and Peter Gines Velasco – into the Hall of Honor at the US Department of Labor. The ceremony featured remarks from Herb Delute – FANHS, Gayle Romasanta, Danny Pasquil, Jennifer Sta.Ana and a performance from members of Larry the Musical.
***Official Department of Labor Photograph***
Photographs taken by the federal government are generally part of the public domain and may be used, copied and distributed without permission. Unless otherwise noted, photos posted here may be used without the prior permission of the U.S. Department of Labor. Such materials, however, may not be used in a manner that imply any official affiliation with or endorsement of your company, website or publication.
Photo Credit:
Alyson Fligg
20 November 2024 – Washington, DC – Acting US Secretary of Labor Julie Su hosts the induction ceremony for the Filipino Farmworkers – Larry Dulay Itliong, Philip Villamin Vera Cruz, and Peter Gines Velasco – into the Hall of Honor at the US Department of Labor. The ceremony featured remarks from Herb Delute – FANHS, Gayle Romasanta, Danny Pasquil, Jennifer Sta.Ana and a performance from members of Larry the Musical.
***Official Department of Labor Photograph***
Photographs taken by the federal government are generally part of the public domain and may be used, copied and distributed without permission. Unless otherwise noted, photos posted here may be used without the prior permission of the U.S. Department of Labor. Such materials, however, may not be used in a manner that imply any official affiliation with or endorsement of your company, website or publication.
Photo Credit:
Alyson Fligg