official said that the strong prospect of greater support from Mexican pickers is the result of a combination of several factors. The United Farm Workers first of all has taken a different course in communicating with "green carders." Drake said. "Were not just asking them to stay away." he said. but have appealed to them to join us because our intention is not to shut them out of their jobs." The Mexican press also has been "more positive" in coverage of the situation and the march was a singularly important element in changing attitudes. he said. "The march came across as a gut issue to the Mexicans." Drake said. "I think they really saw for the first time the plight of farm workers on this side of the border." Another major factor was the appearance of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy at last Sundays rally. "His personal support of the strike and his urging green carders to listen to. Cesar (Chavez. UFWOC director) to respect picket lines and join the union had a tremendous effect." according to Drake. Kennedy told a crowd of about 1000 in Calexico last Sunday that he had traveled the 3000 miles from Washington to tell farm workers that "the voice of Cesar Chavez is being heard in Congress." "Injustices to farm workers can no longer be tolerated." he declared. He also told the cheering throng that It has been 50 years since child labor was abolished in the textile mills in Massachusetts and that it is about time child labor be prohibited in the fields. Since then. leaflets printed In Spanish and distributed at the border inform readers of Kennedys position-"respect the picket lines. join the union." Growers attempting to counter apparent gains of UFWOC with "green carders" are taking full page ads in newspapers painting a picture of lush jobs awaiting pickers in the vineyards. Sharing the platform with Kennedy at Calexico were Sen. Ralph Yarborough (DTexas) Sen.
Keywords matched
green carders