University of Arizona

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Collection of the Arizona Ecumenical Council, Truth Squad Committee

In May, 1972 the Arizona Ecumenical Council commissioned the Truth Squad Committee and charged them with investigating issues dealing with the then current crisis in farm labor relations. This committee was staffed by representatives of many of the eleven denominations that make up the Arizona Ecumenical Council. Additionally, there were representatives from a growers group and the United Farm Workers.

The Truth Squad Committee conducted interviews with growers, farm workers, clergy and other resource people in Delano, California and in five agricultural counties in Arizona: Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, Pima and Cochise. From this research the committee drew up a report which generated much controversy and which some attacked as being pro-grower.

This collection consists of photocopies of reports, correspondence, memos, clippings and pamphlets relating to the work of the Truth Squad Committee. Included is the data collected and reports compiled from that data, supporting materials used and dissenting opinions of conclusions in the report, all dealing with farm labor in California and Arizona. Some of the supporting materials deal with Arizona Legislature HB 2134, a bill allowing for the creation of an employment relations board adjudicating agricultural labor disputes.