Letter: Labor Council Backs Immigrant Workers, Rapid Response Network
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The Central Labor Council of Humboldt & Del Norte Counties issues this letter first and foremost in support of workers. Standing with workers should never be controversial. Yet, we recognize that we are living through a moment of heightened fear and uncertainty regarding workplace safety and basic dignity. The labor movement is guided by many principles, but a simple truth: solidarity forever. Solidarity means we do not abandon one another. Period. Solidarity does not depend on immigration status. Solidarity means defending the rights of all workers.
The Central Labor Council applauds Centro del Pueblo and their their leadership in coordinating the Rapid Response Network to ensure timely, organized support when immigration enforcement activity impacts our community. Centro del Pueblo is a leader in ensuring that immigrant workers and families in Humboldt County know their rights. Their Rapid Response Network provides coordinated, community-based support when immigration enforcement activity occurs. This infrastructure strengthens not only immigrant families but the broader labor movement.
As the Central Labor Council, we affirm:
- We stand in solidarity with all workers, regardless of immigration status, and reject attempts that aim to divid the working class.
- We stand firmly against fascism and authoritarianism in all forms, recognizing that these forces seek to silence workers, erode rights, and dismantle collective power.
- We support educating supervisors, staff, and workers about their rights in the workplace.
- We commit to including the Rapid Response Network as part of our organizational plan.
On May Day, Friday, May 1st, 2026, the Central Labor Council in partnership with Centro del Pueblo will hold a solidarity rally. This is a call to action for our entire labor community to assemble at the Eureka Courthouse at 5:00 pm. In the current climate, solidarity must be more than a sentiment; it must be a visible, active practice.
Lisa Jouaneh
President,
Central Labor Council of Humboldt & Del Norte Counties
References and Resources
- May Day Event Mobilize
- Centro del Pueblo- Rapid Response Hotline 707-200-8091 cdpueblo.com
- National Immigration Law Center – A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace
- California Labor Federation – Standing with Immigrant Workers
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“fascism comes only when the working class shows complete incapacity to take into its own hands the fate of society.”
― Leon Trotsky
Comrades working together !
Singing a working song !
Tiananmen Square Solidarity !
Yeah. Like Trotsky was so successful.
Hello? Why is the critical adjective “illegal” always left off in these peans to the worker? Could it be that unions screwed up their standing with their membership by first having success but then skimming off the worker’s power and money to use for the leadership? So now they have been co-opted people who are unaware of American history?
Unions failed to protect their membership from employers bringing in immigrant scab labor, being too busy consorting with government powers. They failed then to protect all their membership from illegal immigrant competition. The only effective unions left now are government ones and they serve the political agenda of their employers.
Make this for LEGAL workers, you will have a much smaller crowd! Ship them back!