He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Dolores Huerta which later came to be as the United Farm Workers Union (UFW)
He fought for the rights of farmer/labour workers in the United States and supported Filipino-American farm workers who were trying to increase their wages. Cesar Chavez became an icon for the Latino community after his death, with many schools, streets, and parks named after him. His birthday later became Cesar Chavez day to celebrate his efforts.
He was a farmer on the fields until 1952. He urged Mexican-Americans to register and vote. He also traveled around California delivering speeches to communities in support of worker's rights.