The FLOC movement has emphasized changing the structures of society to promote self-determination among those who are marginalized and disadvantages.
The FLOC movement has emphasized changing the structures of society to promote self-determination among those who are marginalized and disadvantages.
In this section:
The Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO, (FLOC) is both a social movement and a labor union. Our immediate constituency is migrant workers in the agricultural industry, but we are also involved with immigrant workers, Latinos, our local communities, and national and international coalitions concerned with justice.
The FLOC vision emphasizes human rights as the standard and self-determination as the process. We struggle for full justice for those who have been marginalized and exploited for the benefit of others, and we have sought to change the structures of society to enable these people a direct voice in their own conditions.
Baldemar Velásquez, the founder and President of FLOC, has been the driving force behind this vision. We have been blessed with the creativity, commitment, and sacrifices of Baldemar and other leaders who have taken us through the ups and downs of the movement.
We have also been blessed with the courage and dedication of migrant workers who have stood up for their own rights in the face of intimidation and even violence. Ultimately, the movement is about our own community.
Critical to the past and future successes of the FLOC movement is the support networks throughout our society. Churches, unions, community groups, and millions of people like you have stood with us when it counted. You carried the struggle into your own communities, and boycotted products, raised funds to cover our basic costs, and pressured corporations and politicians to recognize the rights of migrant and immigrant workers. This support tipped the balance of power in changing the structures of society for justice.
FLOC began in the mid-1060s, when Baldemar Velásquez convinced a small group of migrant farmworkers in northwest Ohio to come together for their common good. Initial successes generated strong reactions in the agricultural industry, which has been structured to benefit those at the top who make the key decisions for their own good. It took several years for FLOC to rebuild a base among farmworkers in the area. FLOC also learned some valuable lessons, and recognized that the movement needed to incorporate two critical points in its goals:
In 1979, FLOC workers called for a strike and boycott against Campbell Soup operations in the region. FLOC leaders and workers made many sacrifices for the cause, and suffered many abuses. But after eight years, FLOC, Campbell Soup, and the company's growers in Ohio and Michigan signed three-way labor contracts that made labor history:
It took several years for the new system to settle into a functional process, particularly with new companies and crops being brought into the system. Then in the late 1990s, FLOC turned its attention to North Carolina, which was another major region producing pickles after the Midwest where FLOC had contracts. After a five-year boycott against Mt. Olive Pickles, FLOC won another major victory, and signed contracts with both Mt. Olive and the North Carolina Growers Association. This expanded the gains for farmworkers' self-determination FLOC made in the Midwest, and added another major component:
Conditions of FLOC workers have changed dramatically over the years. Not only have wages increased, but housing and other conditions have been improved. The greatest improvement, though, is that workers have a direct voice in their conditions through a national labor union, and in particular have an effective process for resolving grievances and problems.
FLOC has also been a leader in the immigrant rights members. Almost all of its members are immigrants, and have called upon the union to advocate their cause for justice.
The successes of the FLOC movement are due both to the dedication and sacrifices of its leaders and members and to our supporters, people like you stood with us in the name of justice.
For a more comprehensive summary of the FLOC story, go to:
You can also download a PDF file on the History of FLOC
You can also order a copy of a CD of Never Stop Marching for Justice at the FLOC Shop
FLOC founder Baldemar Velásquez (on the right) and the Aguila Negra band entertain a workshop for Midwestern support committees with songs about the FLOC cause. To order a CD of their music, go to FLOC Shop
Baldemar Velásquez was raised in a farmworker family, and grew up suffering the injustices of migrant workers. He watched his family and other farmworkers being cheated and humiliated... but as a young man decided to do something about it. He began organizing migrant workers and putting together a movement in the fields of northwest Ohio. He has responded to adversity with growth, resolution, and faith. Learning as he continued the struggle, he became a leader not because he had the authority or resources to influence others but because people chose to follow him.
It is Baldemar's vision, and commitment that has led FLOC through years of struggle, fierce opposition, and victories for justice. His creativity provides alternatives that others do not see, and his commitment and sacrifices has inspired others to efforts many did not think existed.
Baldemar Velásquez is recognized as a national and international leaders in many areas, including farmworker, immigrant, Latino, labor, and environmental affairs.
You can also download a more comprehensive PDF file on Baldemar Velásquez
Many of our supporters know that Baldemar is also an accomplished musician. We have produced several CDs of his music for the cause. To order a copy of a CD of the Aguila Negra band, go to FLOC Shop
Keep Informed
To make sure you are up to date with the FLOC movement, sign up for the FLOC listserv! Go to:
Listserv SignUp
Get Involved
How can you be actively involved in the the FLOC movement? To learn more, go to:
Get Involved
Help Raise Resources to Support the FLOC Movement
There are many ways to raise resources to help the FLOC movement in the struggle for justice... all of which you can do! To learn more, go to:
Fundraising for FLOC
Thank You!
Thank you for your support! It has always been the commitments and efforts of our supporters that have made our victories possible. As we continue the struggle for justice, we know we can count on you as face new challenges and victories together.
© FLOC 2007