The union movement works to improve the lives of all people who work—not just those who have the benefits of union membership. 1199SEIU, the AFL-CIO, and various other local unions across the country have formed partnerships with worker centers and other groups of working people who do not have the legal right to collective bargaining.



Some, like taxi drivers, have been misclassified as independent contractors. Others, including domestic workers and day laborers, have been excluded from coverage by U.S. labor laws. All workers deserve fair treatment, respect and a voice at work, regardless of how they are classified by employers or regarded by labor law.



In Western New York, over two dozen worker organizations, economic justice, legal partners and faith-based organizations have joined forces to create a Worker Center in Buffalo. The Worker Center believes that public good is advanced when workers know their rights & rights are enforced. 1199SEIU is a member of the steering committee and is taking a role in ensuring all workers, not just healthcare workers are treated with dignity and respect and that a fair days work earns a fair days pay.



The Worker Center provides outreach to refugee, immigrant, young and low-wage work communities and provides networking with other agencies and organizations. Bringing workers together across communities, the Worker Center provides education and training regarding worker rights, laws that protect workers, and health and safety.



Through hotline referrals, the Worker Center provides support to workers, advocating for rights enforcement, and serves as a liaison for site-based negotiations.



In the future, The Center will offer a space for workers to come together and identify common issues around health and safety, and worker rights violations and determine collective action strategies for addressing these problems. By building a network of workers and providing leadership development trainings, the Worker Center will encourage workers to act on their own behalf to improve working conditions.



If you or anyone you know has a workplace concern, text "worker" to 877877 or visit grow716.org/worker to report the concern and receive confidential assistance.