New York, NY -- Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) members at 13 International Rescue Committee (IRC) offices ratified their first union contract today, bringing wage increases, just cause protections and permanent employment to nearly 700 workers dedicating their careers to supporting refugees, immigrants and people in conflict zones.
These OPEIU members help the world’s most vulnerable people access healthcare, education and economic opportunities, all amidst escalating immigration crackdowns and global conflict. Now, they are on the path to achieving a dignified workplace and adequate salary that acknowledges the importance of their work.
“This contract means I don’t have to beg in order to be treated fairly. It means now I have policies in place at the worksite that I helped craft that are worker-centered, that are realistic expectations made by people who are actually doing the work,” said Grace Aguirre, crisis case manager at IRC’s Oakland office. “I can now show up to my job, which is to care for children and their families, knowing there is a contract and union taking care of me.”