AS WE APPROACH THE 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1985-87 CANNERY STRIKE,

PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN EVENT FEATURING FORMER STRIKERS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS.

In September 1985, in response to their employers drastically slashing salaries and health benefits, almost 2,000 workers at two canneries in Watsonville, the vast majority Mexicanas, went on strike. Over an 18-month period, these rank-and-file workers lost homes, endured hunger, and withstood police violence. They democratized local politics, challenging the racism and sexism of local unions and the power structure of Watsonville.