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Building A Movement With Immigrant Workers: The 1972-74 Strike And Boycott At Farah Manufacturing, Maria L. Ontiveros

Maria L. Ontiveros

Between May, 1972 and February, 1974, thousands of Chicana workers struck Farah Manufacturing plants throughout Texas. They were joined in their efforts by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America who orchestrated nationwide pickets calling for a boycott of Farah slacks. The strike and boycott were supported by various civil rights groups, politicians and religious organizations. Working together, they caused a dramatic drop in sales, large operating losses and a substantial drop in the company's share price. After several victories before the National Labor Relations Board, the strike settled with the company rehiring 3,000 strikers and recognizing the union. The company, …