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The ranchers want to keep us divided in order to keep us weak. Many of us have signed individual 'work contracts' with the ranchers or contractors, contracts in which they had all power. These contracts were farces, one more cynical joke at our impotence. That is why we must get together and bargain collectively. We must use the only strength that we have, the force of our numbers. The ranchers are few; we are many. United we shall stand.

Cesar Chavez#11

WorkPowerRightsUnityLabor rights

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Employers keep workers weak by dividing them and using unfair individual contracts. True strength comes from unity and collective bargaining.
In plain terms
Employers use divide and conquer tactics, so workers must unite to bargain for better terms.
What can you take from it?
Individual contracts are weak; collective unity is the only real power for workers.

Where it applies

  • workplace negotiations
  • union organizing
  • contract review

Putting it to work

  • form worker coalitions
  • reject individual contracts
  • negotiate collectively

Questions to consider

  • Why do workers sign unfair contracts?
  • How do we overcome fear to unite?

Another view

Unity can be difficult to achieve when workers fear job loss.

More from Cesar Chavez

  1. We shall unite. We have learned the meaning of Unity.

    Permalink to quote #10

  2. We shall Strike. We shall pursue the revolution we have proposed. We are sons of the Mexican Revolution, a revolution of the poor seeking, bread and justice. O…

    Permalink to quote #12

  3. We are suffering. We have suffered, and we are not afraid to suffer in order to win our cause. We have suffered unnumbered ills and crimes in the name of the L…

    Permalink to quote #9

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