IAM District 947 represents over 300 workers at nonprofit organizations in California, including the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC). These members work to support immigrant and underserved communities by providing legal aid, education, youth programs, and emergency response.
Many IAM Union members at these nonprofits are immigrants or children of immigrants. Their experiences drive their commitment to helping families affected by immigration policies and economic hardship. According to Jennifer Marin Esquivel, IAM District 947 Business Representative, “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.”
The political climate has led some nonprofits to remove employee profiles from their websites due to safety concerns. Despite risks, members remain dedicated. Guillermo Quintanilla of IAM Local 201 (District 947) said, “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 added, “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.”
Members organize workshops on rights awareness and participate in rapid response efforts during enforcement actions or emergencies affecting immigrant communities. “Our members are part of rapid response teams. They’re the ones running toward the threat, not away from it,” said Marin Esquivel.
Rocio Veliz of CARECEN highlighted 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.” She also stated: “When one community is under attack – Black, LGBTQ+, immigrant – we all need to speak up. Silence is complicity.”
IAM District 947 encourages Locals and allied unions to include immigrant protections in contracts—such as paid time off for immigration appointments and employer notification requirements if unlawful enforcement occurs.
Sal Vasquez, President of IAM District 947 said: “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.”
Earlier this year in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, IAM Local 695 member Maximo Londonio was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; union advocacy contributed to his release after several months.
Brian Bryant, IAM International President commented at a rally: “Union rights are immigrant rights! We will be here for whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”
Robert “Bobby” Martinez emphasized the union’s values: “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…”
Bryant added: “From coast to coast, the IAM message is clear: we will not allow fear, hatred or broken policies to divide us… When one of us is targeted we all show up…”
IAM nonprofit members address issues beyond immigration such as housing and economic justice while building leadership within their communities.
Mayral Lopez noted: “The union has created new spaces for leadership… Knowing our rights helps everyone – even beyond the non-profit world.” She continued: “Because union values don’t just belong in one workplace. They belong in every part of our community.”
Christian Fernando Flores described his experience as an organizer: “The most empowering thing I’ve done as an organizer was getting deeply involved in breathing accountability into a living document: the union contract.”
Veliz summarized her view on being part of the union: “To me being union means protection… It means support… It means we’re not alone—and that we’re stronger when we stand together.”
