Strikers' Committee

Strikers had to balance collaborating with outside groups, asserting their needs, and maintaining worker solidarity under stressful conditions.  Some events -- such as communications between the Teamsters and employers, or rallies organized primarily by outside activists -- and left strikers feeling they had not been listened to or acknowledged as the leaders of the strike.

The Strikers' Committee was elected in October 1985 at a meeting at Assumption Church in Pajaro attended only by strikers.  Six strikers from each of the canneries were elected, and the committee gave strikers' a clearer voice in the struggle.  They defined their own goals and strategies, as well as developing leadership skills.  The Strikers' Committee held weekly meetings, communicated with strikers, developed their own strike fund and food bank, and collaborated and negotiated with the other groups involved in the strike.