Immigrant Workers
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Immigrant Worker Overview
Immigrant Worker Resources
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LION Influences Change in AFL-CIO Policy
Resolutions
Activities 2001
Resources for Organizing Immigrant Workers
LION is a network of union and community organizers
who are organizing immigrant workers and in immigrant communities
in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over 25% of California workers are
immigrants. They are disproportionately represented in low-wage
jobs with poor working conditions. There is a need for labor unions
and immigrant advocates to share information and organizing strategies
to advance a pro-immigrant, pro-worker agenda.
The Labor Center convened the initial meeting that gave birth to
LION in 1998. Since then it has helped to facilitate the network,
bridging the interests of labor unions and community advocates in
organizing immigrant workers. Currently the Labor Center chairs
the Education Committee of LION, which conducts trainings and seminars
on immigrant worker issues.
LION includes organizers with campaigns involving service workers,
janitors, warehouse workers, teamsters, farmworkers, garment workers,
food workers, and construction trades workers.
LION addresses the needs and issues of immigrant worker organizers
by sharing:
- legal information about workplace and community immigration
issues and other "nuts and bolts" tips
- long-range strategies for organizing immigrant workers
- training and development of community organizers and labor organizers
- political strategies for linking with immigrant communities
and promoting a pro-immigrant political agenda.
| LION meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 9:30
am at the Alameda Central Labor Council located at 7992 Capwell
Dr., Alameda CA. For more information call (510) 643-2355. |
| LION Influences
Change in AFL-CIO Policy |
In February 2000, the AFL-CIO passed a landmark resolution
calling for reforms that will protect workplace rights and freedoms,
and hold employers accountable when they exploit immigrant workers.
The reforms include a new amnesty program, repeal of employer
sanctions, and strengthening the right to organize for immigrant
workers. LION played an important role in getting this resolution
passed.
Article about LION
and AFL-CIO Immigration Policy
Following the passage of the resolution, hearings were held
around the country for immigrant workers, advocates and union
members to discuss the new national AFL-CIO immigration policy.
The Labor Center's Katie Quan presented testimony at the hearing
in San Jose on April 29, 2000.
AFL-CIO
Hearing on Immigrant Rights and Amnesty |
LION Resolution on Amnesty 
Position on Amnesty, Sanctions and Immigration Law Reform. Adopted
May 10, 2000 This resolution, developed by LION, calls for a
new general amnesty for undocumented immigrants, the reform
of current US immigration law, including the elimination of
H-1 and H-2 visa categories, and a streamlining of the process
of applying for permanent residence and citizenship.
LION Resolution on Employer
Sanctions
Defending the Rights of Immigrant Workers and the Right to Organize.
This resolution, developed by LION, calls for the elimination
of employer sanctions, the abolishment of the SSA "no-match"
letter program and a new amnesty for undocumented workers. |
LION is involved in a broad array of organizing, policy, and
educational activities designed to increase immigrant worker
organizing and defend the rights of immigrant workers. Here
is a sampling of our activities in 2001.
Organizing
On January 27, 2001, over 5,000 people joined the LION March
for Amnesty in Oakland. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman
Barbara Lee, Oakland Assemblywoman Wilma Chan, HERE International
President John Wilhelm, Laborers Union International President
Terrence O'Sullivan, CA Attorney General Bill Lockyer, and others
united with LION to demand:
- General Amnesty for All Undocumented Immigrants
- Repeal of Employer Sanctions
- Defend the Right of All Workers to Organize, Regardless
of Immigration Status
- End Guest Worker and Contract Labor Programs
- Defend the Right to Family Reunification and Expand Opportunities
for Legal Immigration
LION also joined marches for immigrant rights organized by
allies, including the March for Amnesty and Immigrant Rights
in San Jose on August 25th, the Justice for Janitors march
on June 15th, and the Cesar Chavez march on March 31st.
The LION organizing committee has mobilized LION members
to support different union and community-based worker organizing.
We:
- Collected signatures in support of EBASE's Port of Oakland
Living Wage Campaign;
- Marched with the SF Day Laborers to demand bathrooms
and a long term lease;
- Participated in a HERE 2850 delegation to Rel's catering
in Oakland to protest harassment of immigrant workers during
their contract fight;
- Picketed and participated in a HERE 2850 delegation to
the Radisson Hotel in Berkeley to protest the harassment
of immigrants organizing for a first contract;
- Participated in an SEIU 616 demonstration at the County
Supervisor's office for a Homecare contract renewal with
health care benefits;
- Endorsed and spoke at the Oakland Day Laborer's rally
against the anti-solicitation ordinance.
- Held a press conference at the Federal Building in defense
of immigrant rights and against immigrant scapegoating following
the September 11th attacks.
- Joined a HERE Local 2 picket line at the Marriott Hotel
in their ongoing fight for a first contract.
Legislative/Policy
LION representatives met with Congresswoman Barbara Lee in
April and discussed the Gutierrez bill for amnesty, ending
employer sanctions, and the sunset of SSA/INS pilot programs.
LION members also participated in a community forum with Barbara
Lee and Loretta Sanchez on immigration.
LION was an official endorser of Immigrant Lobby Day in Sacramento
on May 7th and all coalition members were encouraged to participate
in meetings with policy makers to advocate for legislation
important to the immigrant community.
Education
LION held a series of educational forums and trainings for
organizers during 2001:
- Historical Overview of Immigration Policy and Legislation:
What immigrant legislation and policy exists now and how
it came to be (May 4th)
- Pending Immigration Legislation: What federal and state
legislation is being proposed and what its impact would
be (May 11th)
- Organizers Training: Skills building and training for
immigrant organizers on Alternative Organizing Models, Workplace
Enforcement, and Labor / Community Alliances (September
29th)
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Contact: Labor Center
Phone: (510) 642-0323
Email:
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