Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in California are playing a significant role in supporting immigrant and vulnerable communities through their work at nonprofit organizations. Represented by IAM District 947, more than 300 workers serve at 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). These organizations offer legal assistance, education, youth leadership programs, and emergency response services to underserved populations.
IAM members working in these nonprofits often have personal ties to the communities they assist. “We have members who joined these non-profits because they’ve lived or witnessed firsthand injustices,” said IAM District 947 Business Representative Jennifer Marin Esquivel. “They’ve seen their own families and communities impacted by immigration policies. They know what’s at stake.”
The current political environment has brought risks to these workers. Some nonprofits have removed staff profiles from public websites due to safety concerns. Despite threats, members remain dedicated to organizing educational workshops, providing rapid response during immigration enforcement actions, and distributing essential supplies.
“Yes, it can be scary… but that doesn’t mean that we’re going to stop,” said Guillermo Quintanilla, IAM Local 201 member and CARECEN Lead Migrant Coordinator. “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.”
Union support is seen as critical by many members facing challenges on the ground. “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,” Quintanilla added.
IAM District 947 has advised local unions to include immigrant protections in contracts, such as paid leave for immigration appointments and employer notification requirements if there is unlawful enforcement activity.
“The idea is simple,” said Sal Vasquez, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 947. “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, IAM Local 695 member Maximo Londonio was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The union advocated for his release alongside his family and other rights organizations until he was freed months later.
“Union rights are immigrant rights!” said IAM International President Brian Bryant at a rally supporting Londonio’s release. “We will be here for whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”
The union’s efforts extend beyond immigration issues; they also address housing and economic justice concerns within affected communities.
“The union has created new spaces for leadership,” said Mayral Lopez, Secretary-Treasurer of IAM Local 201 and CARECEN DOJ Accredited Representative. “We’re building a network of empowered workers who can bring this knowledge and strength back to the community.”
Many members view their roles as both professional duties and personal commitments: “To me, being union means protection,” said Rocio Veliz of CARECEN. “It means support. It means we’re not alone – and that we’re stronger when we stand together.”
