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.”

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OPEIU mourns the murder of our union brother, AFGE member and VA nurse Alex Pretti, by the United States Border Patrol. We condemn in the strongest terms the rising tide of state-sponsored violence that also took the life of Renée Good earlier this month. 

These killings are part of a clear campaign of intimidation that aims to divide us. Countless people — workers, neighbors, friends, family members, citizens and noncitizens — have been terrorized and brutalized by federal immigration authorities. As a union, the right to free expression, association and speech is sacrosanct. Targeting people for expressing those rights is unconscionable. 

We stand in full solidarity with the people of Minnesota and call on congressional leaders to have the courage required to take a stand against this senseless violence by refusing to fund ICE's unlawful and barbaric operations. 

OPEIU stands in solidarity with the working people of Minnesota, including hundreds of OPEIU Local 12 members, who are standing up for our inalienable rights in the face of federal government repression.

Minnesota workers are standing together and saying, “enough is enough,” defending the freedoms and rights we cannot and do not take for granted. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association are sacred rights available to everyone in the United States and serve as the bedrock of unionism, regardless of immigration status.

Union members – citizens and non-citizens alike – have been targeted by ICE on their way to work and on their job sites. Workers in hospitals, schools and construction sites are forced to stay home out of fear for their safety.

Members of Congress need to know the labor movement will not tolerate our rights, safety and freedoms being infringed upon. Tolerating the federal government’s willful infringement of working people’s rights is akin to supporting it. We cannot do that.

OPEIU stands in solidarity with the working people of Minnesota who are demonstrating to the federal government that our rights and freedoms are non-negotiable. 

OPEIU is Proud to Honor the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

During his life, Dr. King bridged the gap between the labor and civil rights movements, strengthening both in the process.

OPEIU strives to bring about a future where all working people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. By organizing new members, bargaining fair contracts and fighting to protect the rights of working people, OPEIU is proud to honor Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to uplifting workers across the country.

Happy MLK Day from Team OPEIU.

Learn more about the AFL-CIO’s civil rights work here.

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