Cesar Chavez's Brother, A Leader In Farmworker Movement, Dies At 82

BAKERSFIELD (AP) — Richard Chavez, a leader in California's farmworker movement, has died at the age of 82.

A spokeswoman for the United Farmworkers of America says Chavez, who helped his brother Cesar Chavez build the union, passed away at a Bakersfield hospital Wednesday of complications from surgery.

Spokeswoman Maria Machuca says Richard Chavez worked in the fields and as a carpenter, but eventually dedicated himself to the UFW.

Chavez is credited with helping to build the Forty Acres complex in Delano, which became the union's headquarters and where Richard joined his brother in the Delano Grape Strike. Richard Chavez also designed the black Aztec eagle, which to this day flies on the union's flag.

During his work with the union, Chavez also organized boycotts of table grapes, was in charge of administering union contracts and oversaw union bargaining.

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