Former US president Barack Obama awarded Dolores Huerta the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. (EPA Images pic)LOS ANGELES: Dolores Huerta, the US labour leader and civil rights icon whose union work changed the lives of migrant workers, has died, her family said Wednesday. She was 96.
For nearly four decades Huerta was vice-president of the United Farm Workers, the union she founded with Cesar Chavez, organising strikes and walkouts that won improvements in working conditions for the millions of men and women who labour in US fields.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved mother, Dolores Huerta, has passed away today at the age of 96," said a family statement.
"We know that many of you around the world share in our mourning, and we will be following up on plans to recognize and celebrate her incredible life and legacy."
