Labor Day Special: The Most Bizarre Facts About Union History

7. Labor Icon Cesar Chavez Turned His Union Into A Cult

Cesar Chavez is one of the most iconic union leaders in American history. He was an activists in both the civil rights and labor movement. He also founded the United Farm Workers (UFW). At one point Chavezwas inspired by the group Synanon to turn his union into a cult.

Synanon started as a drug rehabilitation center which eventually declared itself a religion. As detailed in the book “From the Jaws of Victory,” by Matthew Garcia, the decision to become a religion was in large part to fend off investigators and lawsuits. The group attracted attention by utilizing a method of psychological treatment known as the “Game.”

As noted in Forbes, the “Game” consisted of addicts being subjected to sterilization, having their heads shaved, continual submission and having their insufficiencies constantly shouted at them. Though the union board of directors opposed the idea, Chavez instituted his version of the Synanon “Game” at theUFW headquarters. Beyond the bullying and psychological tactics, the change also meant communal living and union staff having to pledge loyalty oaths to Chavez.