Acting Secretary of Labor Su hosts ceremony inducting Filipino labor leaders of the farmworkers’ movement into department’s Hall of Honor

WASHINGTON – Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and the U.S. Department of Labor today paid tribute to Larry Dulay Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Peter Gines Velasco, who led farmworkers to organize and stand up against powerful grape industry growers while fighting for higher wages, better working conditions and basic dignity for Filipino farmworkers by inducting them into the department’s Hall of Honor.

The three labor leaders of the farmworkers’ movement were recognized for their lifetimes of service to Filipino farmworkers, starting in 1959 with the organization of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee at the Filipino Hall in Delano, California. In 1965, the AWOC led the Delano Grape Strike, where more than 800 Filipino farmworkers in the grape fields went on strike against 10 vineyards. In addition to the victories they achieved for farmworkers, their work is a reminder of what can be achieved when workers of all backgrounds come together to advocate for higher wages and better working conditions. 

“I’m honored to induct Larry Dulay Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Peter Gines Velasco into the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor, where they take their rightful place among giants in the labor movement who have shaped the fabric of American history,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Itliong, Vera Cruz and Velasco rallied farmworkers – who endured prejudice, low wages and poor working conditions – to courageously organize for fairer wages and humane treatment, all while providing food for families across the country. These three leaders instilled and inspired change for those who valiantly labor in the fields.”

During the ceremony, the audience heard a musical performance from the cast of “Larry the Musical” based on the book “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong” by Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta. Later in the ceremony, Acting Secretary Su presented medals commemorating the ceremony to family members of Itliong, Vera Cruz and Velasco. 

Established in 1988, the Hall of Honor recognizes the accomplishments and impact of dozens of groups and individuals on the nation’s workforce and workplaces. The hall is located inside the north plaza of the department’s headquarters in the Frances Perkins Building.