IAM District 947 represents over 300 workers from various non-profit organizations in California, such as the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC). These organizations focus on providing legal support, education, youth leadership programs, and emergency response to immigrant and underserved communities. Many of these union members are immigrants or children of immigrants themselves.
IAM nonprofit members have reported increased risks due to the current political climate. Some organizations have removed employee profiles from their websites because visibility can be dangerous. Despite this, IAM nonprofit workers continue to organize “Know Your Rights” workshops, participate in legal observation, distribute food to families in need, and respond quickly to defend individuals at risk of detention or deportation.
Jennifer Marin Esquivel, IAM District 947 Business Representative, said: “We have members who joined these non-profits because they’ve lived or witnessed firsthand injustices. They’ve seen their own families and communities impacted by immigration policies. They know what’s at stake.”
Guillermo Quintanilla, an IAM Local 201 member and CARECEN Lead Migrant Coordinator, added: “Yes, it can be scary… but that doesn’t mean that we’re going to stop. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to let ourselves be intimidated. We’re going to continue this good work… We know that we are on the right side of history.” He also stated: “We know that the IAM Union stands with us, fights with us, and has our back, which makes all the difference. We know we are not alone in this.”
One member from IAM Local 201 shared concerns about personal safety while leading workshops but emphasized the importance of informing people about their rights.
Marin Esquivel explained: “Our members are part of rapid response teams. They’re the ones running toward the threat, not away from it. They go to day labor centers and rallies, they record raids, they educate their neighbors. They are on the ground every single day.”
Rocio Veliz from CARECEN highlighted how joining IAM has strengthened collective action: “Now that we’re part of the IAM, there’s a deeper sense of commitment. We can lean on each other. We’ve been able to push for stronger protections, educate more families, and advocate for policy changes – together.” Veliz also remarked: “When one community is under attack – Black, LGBTQ+, immigrant – we all need to speak up. Silence is complicity.”
IAM District 947 has recommended including immigrant protections in union contracts—such as paid time off for immigration-related appointments and requirements for employers to notify unions about enforcement actions—to better support vulnerable workers.
Sal Vasquez, President and Directing Business Representative of District 947 stated: “The idea is simple… You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your wages or your safety to support your community or secure your own legal status. Our contracts should reflect that.”
Odette Moran from CAUSE described how being part of a union provides mutual support during difficult times: “In these uncertain and heavy times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – but being in a union and community means we don’t face it alone… Even when the rain feels relentless, we find strength in holding one another.”
Earlier this year Maximo Londonio—a member of IAM Local 695—was detained by U.S Customs and Border Protection at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; following advocacy by his union along with family members and immigrant rights groups he was released after several months.
At a rally supporting Londonio’s release Brian Bryant—IAM International President—said: “Union rights are immigrant rights! We will be here for whatever it takes; for as long as it takes.” Robert Martinez Jr., Western Territory General Vice President added: “The work our IAM Union non-profit members do isn’t just about providing services – it’s about living our union’s core values… Their daily fight to protect vulnerable communities reflects who we are: a union that stands for dignity equity and justice for all people.”
Mayral Lopez—a CARECEN DOJ Accredited Representative—noted how unions help build leadership among workers connected directly with affected communities; she said knowing their rights benefits everyone beyond just those working at nonprofits.
Christian Fernando Flores commented on contract negotiations stating: “The most empowering thing I’ve done as an organizer was getting deeply involved in breathing accountability into a living document: the union contract.”
Bryant summarized the organization’s approach saying: “From coast-to-coast…the IAM message is clear—we will not allow fear hatred or broken policies divide us… When one of us is targeted we all show up; when one is silenced we all speak out.”
Members working at nonprofits address broader issues like housing instability economic injustice alongside immigration defense showing solidarity through direct action community organizing policy advocacy workplace protections—and shaping an inclusive labor movement.
