Those that remember the frozen food strikes in Watsonville between 1985 and 1987 have many different stories to share. As more stories are collected they will be posted on these pages. If you have your own story to share please contact the curator.

Photo and Document Archive

Its here! Check out photos, newspaper articles, and documents related to the strike events.

Article Links:

Here are some links to articles currently available on the internet covering the Watsonville cannery strikes.

The Workers, United
Written by Frank Bardacke.
Published in El Andar Magazine, October 1995.
Article with brief history of the strike.

Watsonville on Strike' Reflexivity and Conflict
Written by Geoffrey Dunn
Published in Jump Cut, April 1990.
A review of the documentary, Watsonville on Strike, by Jon Silver.

Watsonville, Calif.: Voices of experience
Written by Jason Hagey.
Published in Tri-City Herald, unknown date.
Article with an overview of the culture of Watsonville and mention of the strike.

On the road, Watsonville, CA; Third day: June 3
Written by Ruben Martinez, June 3, 1998.
Brief life story of a Watsonville cannery worker in an account of a road trip from Los Angeles to Watsonville.

Looking to do research on your own?

The following organizations have wonderful information about the strike.

Labor Archive and Research Center (LARC)
The LARC is located at San Francisco State University and has a several resources on the strike, including posters, articles, fliers, and newsletters published at the time.  An entire box was donated by local activist, Frank Bardacke. The staff at LARC are extremely helpful!

 Watsonville Public Library
Check out the library building located at 275 Main Street in Watsonville. The libary owns a copy of the documentary Watsonville on Strike, by Jon Silver. Additionally, the library also has copies of the Register Pajaronian, the local newspaper, on micro film.