Monday, August 25, 8AM: The unionized nonprofit workers of the International Rescue Committee (IRC Workers Unite - OPEIU) are nearing the end of their first contract negotiations and have a call to action. Since IRC Dallas staff organized in 2023, thirteen IRC program offices across the country have unionized with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) - forming IRC Workers Unite. Every day, these workers serve people who have come to our country seeking refuge and a better life for themselves and their families. They formed their union because they love this critical work, and they believe in the mission of IRC. However, they can’t effectively carry out that mission without security, stability and the same dignity in the workplace that they give to their clients.
While IRC’s top executives make close to a combined 5 million dollars, many of the front line worker have to work second jobs just to make ends meet. Beyond that, funding for refugee service being in extreme jeopardy at a federal level means their work is at risk, and they need meaningful layoff protections now more than ever. This contract is about the fight for their livelihoods, and for their clients in this moment of unprecedented attacks on the refugee community.
From August 25th through August 27th, IRC workers from all over the country are coming to NYC to join OPEIU Local 153 members from the NY IRC programs office for a three-day marathon bargaining session with executive management at the NY-based US headquarters. The demand is clear: IRC workers deserve to leave this bargaining session with a fair contract. Join us at 8am on Monday, August 25th for a rally in front of IRC Headquarters to tell IRC management our community expects them to live by their stated values and secure a contract that guarantees us a living wage, layoff protections, and the workplace improvements we need to serve our clients. We are asking NYC allies to sign this petition and come out to the rally on the 25th - RSVP here!