A Labor Day Reminder: 5 NGOs Looking Out for Workers Who Are Most Vulnerable

We’ve decided to take today, Labor Day, off, but not everyone has that luxury. To that end, we’re listing some NGOs that are looking out for those workers here in the U.S. who have the least protections and are the most vulnerable. At a minimum, social media love will never hurt; financial contributions are definitely appreciated.

Coalition of Immokalee Workers: Florida has become one of the most stubborn hotspots during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Collier County was one of the worst hit regions. Workers in the farming community of Immokalee have been particularly hit hard: this coalition is urging that Florida officials take far bolder action before the fall harvest season. CIW is also partnering with the Fair Food Program so that these workers, who have almost zero protection, can score far more equitable labor rights.

National Domestic Workers Alliance: We’ve covered this nonprofit in the past, and for good reason. Many of the people who ensure we can live our lives in comfort are also at most risk during a sudden economic downturn, whether they babysit our kids or clean our homes. Among its many directives, this coalition has also tasked itself by doing what it can to slow the spread of COVID-19 by providing emergency assistance for domestic workers during this ongoing crisis.

No Us Without You: This Los Angeles-based nonprofit focuses on food security for undocumented hospitality workers and their families. These workers are the backbone of the hospitality industry, and many have become unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic - yet they are not eligible for unemployment benefits even though they had been taxed every paycheck.

One Fair Wage: This is one of many organizations that believes it’s time to rethink the way in which the restaurant industry pays employees – a system that has its origins in slavery. The coalition is pushing New York’s restaurant industry to pay its workers a fair, living wage – one that isn’t based on tips. It's a fine example of how we can honor the ideals that led to Labor Day here in the U.S.

RAICES: No, the crisis along the Texas-Mexico border hasn’t gone away, it’s just that other news has resulted in a new set of headlines. This agency works with attorneys, around the clock, and surely today on Labor Day, to provide free or low-cost legal assistance to immigrant refugees, families and children who fled one nightmare only to land in another one here in the U.S.

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