EKA Partner Eric Rose recently co-authored a crisis communications analysis (along with Thom Weidlich) of the United Farm Workers’ response to recently surfaced allegations about abusive behavior by its late founder, Cesar Chavez:
A major story broke last week when allegations surfaced that legendary labor leader Cesar Chavez had sexually abused women and girls. From a crisis communications point of view, it was most interesting to see how the United Farm Workers, which Chavez cofounded, responded, especially early on when the accusations’ origins were unclear.
…
Clearly, the UFW was trying to do the right thing, while also trying not to say too much. Pulling out of the Chavez Day activities was a highly visible, symbolic step that signaled to the public that it took the claims seriously and wouldn’t reflexively defend its cofounder. It showed a willingness to act before all the facts were known. The union was careful to frame what it knew and didn’t know and yet still deemed the allegations “deeply troubling.”
That’s a tough crisis communications position to be in, and the union handled it well. The UFW also said it was setting up a process for victims to come forward and tell their stories, which showed that its focus was on the victims.
