March 31, 2026—On this day, which had been known as César Chávez Day and is now rightly being renamed as Farmworkers Day, we at Legal Aid at Work want to acknowledge the devastating news regarding allegations of sexual abuse by César Chávez. The exploitation of power and abuse of trust outlined in these allegations is deeply troubling, distressing, and inexcusable.
Legal Aid at Work stands firmly stand with all the women who bravely came forward, including those who were abused as children by someone they trusted and who have carried that trauma for decades. We want to center the survivors’ stories, which have been silenced for too long. Their courage deserves care, respect, and a willingness to truly listen.
For many of us who have looked to Chávez as an important figure in the labor movement, this brings up a mix of reactions—grief, anger, confusion, or something else entirely. Unfortunately, harm like this is not isolated to any one individual or movement. Gender-based violence shows up across institutions, including those committed to justice, and it’s something we need to continue to take seriously in our own work and partnerships.
Our mission at Legal Aid at Work is rooted in advancing workers’ rights and dignity. While the movement is and should be defined by more than one leader, we must face the full complexity of the labor movement’s history—the progress it has driven and the harm that has occurred within it.
Many of our partners, clients, and allies in the immigrant and worker justice movement have spent years confronting abuses of power and supporting survivors. In this difficult moment, we are committed to continuing that work alongside them, with clarity about values and accountability.
In solidarity,
Kevin Clune
President
Legal Aid at Work