Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in California are working to support immigrant and vulnerable communities through their roles at nonprofit organizations. These members, represented by IAM District 947, include workers from groups such as the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC). Their efforts include providing legal assistance, educational programs, youth leadership opportunities, and emergency responses for underserved populations.
Many of these IAM members have personal connections to the communities they serve, often being immigrants or children of immigrants themselves. Jennifer Marin Esquivel, Business Representative for IAM District 947, explained that “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.”
Despite facing threats due to their work in a challenging political environment—some nonprofits have even removed employee profiles from websites for safety reasons—these union members continue their activities. Guillermo Quintanilla, Lead Migrant Coordinator at CARECEN and an IAM Local 201 member, stated: “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.”
IAM nonprofit workers participate in various actions such as organizing workshops about legal rights, joining rapid response teams during enforcement actions, distributing food aid, and advocating for policy changes. Rocio Veliz of CARECEN commented: “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.” Veliz emphasized solidarity among marginalized groups: “When one community is under attack – Black, LGBTQ+, immigrant – we all need to speak up. Silence is complicity.”
The union has also worked to incorporate protections for immigrant workers into contracts with nonprofits. These provisions include paid leave for immigration-related appointments and requirements for employers to notify unions about enforcement actions.
Sal Vasquez, President and Directing Business Representative of District 947 stated: “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, Maximo Londonio—a member of IAM Local 695—was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The union advocated alongside his family and employer until he was released months later. At a rally calling for Londonio’s release, IAM International President Brian Bryant said: “Union rights are immigrant rights! We will be here for whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”
Robert “Bobby” Martinez, General Vice President of IAM Western Territory noted: “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.”
IAM members at nonprofits address broader issues beyond immigration such as housing and economic justice while fostering leadership rooted in experience within their communities.
Mayral Lopez from CARECEN remarked: “We’re building a network of empowered workers who can bring this knowledge and strength back to the community… Because union values don’t just belong in one workplace. They belong in every part of our community.” Christian Fernando Flores echoed this sentiment regarding accountability through union contracts.
Brian Bryant concluded: “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; when one of us is silenced we all speak out.”
These efforts highlight how IAM seeks not only better workplace conditions but also broader social justice across different sectors.
