His efforts led to a historic partnership between Filipino and Mexican workers, culminating in the formation of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union in 1966.

New York, N.Y. — Larry Dulay Itliong, a pioneering labor organizer and advocate for farmworker rights, remains one of the most influential yet underappreciated figures in labor organizer. Born in 1913 in Pangasinan, Philippines, Itliong immigrated to the United States in 1929 at the age of 15, seeking education and opportunity.

Instead, he encountered the harsh realities of the Great Depression and systemic racism, which shaped his lifelong commitment to fighting for justice.

Despite limited formal education and pervasive discrimination against Filipino immigrants, Itliong became a trailblazer in labor activism.

He co-founded the Alaska Cannery Workers Union in the 1930s, securing better wages and working conditions for cannery workers. Later, he founded the Filipino Farm Labor Union in Stockton, California, and played a pivotal role in organizing agricultural strikes across the state.

Itliong’s most notable achievement came during the Delano Grape Strike of 1965.

As leader of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, he spearheaded a mass strike by Filipino grape workers demanding fair wages and union representation.

Recognizing the need for solidarity among farmworkers of different ethnicities, Itliong reached out to Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta of the National Farm Workers Association. His efforts led to a historic partnership between Filipino and Mexican workers, culminating in the formation of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union in 1966.

The Delano Grape Strike lasted five years and achieved groundbreaking victories for farmworkers, including higher wages, medical insurance, and improved working conditions. Itliong also ensured that Filipino workers benefited from these gains by advocating for retirement housing through initiatives like Agbayani Village.

While Cesar Chavez became the face of the UFW, Itliong’s contributions were equally crucial.

He served as assistant director of the UFW but resigned in 1971 due to disagreements over organizational priorities. He continued his advocacy through political engagement as president of the Filipino American Political Association and as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention.

Larry Itliong passed away in 1977 at age 63.

His legacy as a champion of labor rights lives on, inspiring new generations to fight for equality and justice. Though often overlooked in history books, efforts are underway to recognize his contributions through educational initiatives and cultural projects such as Delano Manongs: The Forgotten Heroes of the UFW.

Remembering Larry Itliong – Unsung Hero of the Farm Labor Movement (March 31, 2025)

Editors note: Jim Luce, publisher of The Stewardship Report, was walking the picket line for the United Farm Workers outside the local Kroger’s during the Delano Grape Strike in 1969. He was ten years old.

#DelanoGrapeStrike #FarmworkerRights #LaborMovement
#LarryItliong #FilipinoAmericanHistory #UnitedFarmWorkers
#JusticeForFarmworkers #UnsungHeroes #ManongGeneration

Tags: Larry Itliong, Delano Grape Strike, United Farm Workers (UFW),
Filipino American history, labor movement, farmworker rights,
Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, agricultural strikes