Non-Profit Workers Mobilize Against Trump’s Attacks, Demand Change
URGENT UPDATE: Workers from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are rapidly mobilizing to combat escalating attacks from the Trump administration on immigrant communities while simultaneously demanding better workplace conditions. The IRC, the world’s largest non-profit serving refugees, is facing intense pressure as over a dozen of its offices, including those in Dallas, Atlanta, and Oakland, push for union representation amid a growing crisis.
As of September 2023, the IRC Workers Unite, affiliated with the OPEIU, has been engaged in intense contract negotiations following their successful unionization efforts. The movement gained momentum after workers in Dallas, TX, became the first to unionize two years ago. Since then, the union has expanded rapidly across the U.S., rallying for improved pay and job security.
The stakes have risen sharply since former President Donald Trump returned to the political spotlight, threatening funding for non-profits and implementing policies that disproportionately target immigrant populations. Workers reported that management has used the uncertainty surrounding funding as a rationale to deny wage increases and essential workplace support.
In a recent interview, IRC employees shared their personal experiences. Jodi Camino, a worker from Atlanta, emphasized the unsustainable nature of current wages, stating, “My salary is not sustainable, and that’s the case for a lot of my coworkers.” Many staff members, who are often immigrants or refugees themselves, struggle to make ends meet while dedicating their lives to helping those in need.
The unionization effort has revealed significant issues within IRC management. Nora Rizvi, from Dallas, noted a disconnect between management and frontline workers, saying, “There was a large disconnect between the workers and management in our office.” These sentiments echo across offices as employees illustrate the emotional toll of navigating their roles while fighting for both their rights and those of their clients.
The first bargaining session occurred in February 2024, but progress has been slow. Grace Aguirre from Oakland described the struggle, stating, “Management has been stalling, claiming they don’t have time.” This stalling comes at a time when workers are under immense pressure to serve clients facing unprecedented challenges due to Trump’s policies.
The impact of these policies is not just theoretical. Recent events have seen colleagues of IRC workers detained by ICE, further complicating their ability to assist clients. Workers rallied together to support their detained colleague, raising funds for legal services, showcasing their solidarity and the urgent need for structural changes within the organization. “We are the front liners of this, and we don’t feel safe,” Rizvi said.
The situation is critical, as management has repeatedly cited Trump’s administration as a reason for not providing necessary raises or support. “Management claims they’re having a hard time committing to treating us better because there’s so much uncertainty,” Camino explained.
As negotiations continue, the IRC workers have vowed to persist in their fight for better working conditions and ethical treatment of the communities they serve. The urgency of their struggle is palpable, as they navigate the complexities of their roles amid a hostile political landscape.
As this situation develops, the IRC workers’ campaign represents not only a labor struggle but a crucial fight for the rights and dignity of vulnerable immigrant populations. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how non-profits address both their workers’ needs and their responsibilities to the communities they serve.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds—workers and advocates are determined to make their voices heard and demand the changes their clients and communities desperately need.
