Together we defend, uplift, and organize for all worker rights across California.

Our coalition, previously named Safety Net for All, leads with the lived experiences of immigrant workers and our struggle is steadfastly focused on labor rights for immigrant workers. Born in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, our coalition represents thousands of workers and their families who, despite being the foundation of our state and national economy, have been excluded from unemployment benefits and relief programs in California.

California is the world’s fourth-largest economy, in large part because of immigrant labor, it makes sense that California would include all workers in life-saving unemployment benefits.

Under the Trump administration, a white supremacist assault has targeted working class immigrant communities. Families fear disappearance without due process as the wealthy profit from cuts to social services, corporate tax breaks and unchecked inflation. This coordinated attack deepens inequality, destabilizes families and exploits immigrant labor. 

As we stand against this racially fueled administration, we are fighting for a safety net for all that will provide temporary wage replacement for undocumented workers who have lost their jobs.

The California Network for Immigrant and Worker Justice is working to create the first-ever Excluded Worker Program in California. We need an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthiest few. We all benefit from a stable and fair economy that is inclusive to all Californians. California’s economy and workforce are the backbone to the U.S. economy, which is possible due to the massive contributions from our state’s workers.

Everyone should have the opportunity to buy food, pay rent, and care for their families as they look for new employment. An inclusive safety net gives every person who participates in our workforce the chance to succeed. It ensures that when workers lose a job they can bounce back instead of falling through the cracks.

Across the nation, from Colorado to New York, states have successfully created excluded worker programs that have provided unemployment benefits for excluded immigrant communities, allowing them to pay down utility bills, take care of medical expenses, or keep their families afloat. California, more than any other state, should adhere to its values of putting our people before profits.

Undocumented workers are the beating heart of California’s economy. Meeting this demand is one step forward to a just California. We will keep fighting until California works for all of us. Every worker, every family, every community.