The three official demands of the march were amnesty for undocumented workers, repeal of employer sanctions, and the right of all workers to organize into unions.

Speaking at a brief rally at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church before the march began, Roger Rivera, an organizer for the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), told the crowd, "This march can convince some workers not to be afraid. That we don't need to be silent. That we can organize and fight."

A table with paint and marking pens was provided for people to make their own signs. Students from nearby campuses, organized by the UFCW and SIREN, circulated with sheets signing up people for upcoming activities and to help out in the day's activities.

Marchers chanted "Aquí estamos y no nos vamos" (We're here and we're not leaving), "What do we want? Justice," "Queremos amnistía!" (we want amnesty), and "Sí se puede" (Yes we can). As the workers marched down the sidewalk, they were received with honking horns and cheers from people driving by.

Janitors who recently waged a successful contract fight were a central part of the action. Also participating in the event were workers from food processing factories, electronics assembly plants, construction sites, and retail stores, as well as day laborers and others. A contingent of 20 Vietnamese workers marched, one of whom spoke at the rally. Students from local high schools and colleges also attended.

Elías, a mechanic, who did not want his last name used, told the Militant, "I came because we need our rights, the same as a citizen. If we're illegal they exploit us. We're the secret reason this country is so rich."

Banners in the march identified UFCW Local 428; Service Employees International Union Local 1877; Plumbers, Steamfitters and Refrigeration Fitters Local 393; Laborers Local 270; and the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council. Some people carried Mexican and Vietnamese flags.

Raul Gonzalez is a member of International Association of Machinists Local 565 in Sunnyvale, California.  
 
 
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