Dolores Huerta, whose organizing the Dolores Huerta Foundation says helped California farmworkers win collective-bargaining rights, died at 96, prompting state tributes and a flag-lowering order.
Her family said Huerta died Oct. 28 at home in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by close family. The family announced her death on the Foundation’s website.
California State Controller Malia M. Cohen honored Huerta in a statement Wednesday, praising her organizing and influence on women leaders. “She organized, she persisted, and she opened doors for generations of women and leaders,” Cohen said.
Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers, the Foundation said. It credits her advocacy with helping secure California’s 1975 Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which gave farmworkers the right to organize and bargain collectively.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags flown at half-staff in Huerta’s honor. The Foundation plans to open the Dolores Huerta Peace and Justice Cultural Center in the Central Valley in 2027.
