The Workers' Collaborative unites native-born, African American and immigrant workers to oppose the denial of access to employment on any unfair grounds, whether they be immigration-related excuses, or immoral racial barriers, or background checks which are inhumane and degrading. We believe that deauthorizing any worker from employment not only is immoral but pushes that worker into an underground, often exploitive working situation which lowers the standards for all workers. We support policies which promote equal rights and full employment for all workers. Immigration reform is an important step towards stopping the criminalization of poor workers, especially those of color.

We Don't Like Taco Bell

While Congress debates whether e-verify should become mandatory, workers affected by immoral social security number checks are demanding justice from Taco Bell. Based on a Social Security Administration background check, four Rolling Meadows Taco Bell employees were suddenly fired in June 2011. Two of the employees labored at Taco Bell for more than a decade. Unless the company provides a fair severance to these, workers will be distributing flyer such as the one below in the community to express our distaste for Taco Bell. 

“We've looked into it and concluded that there's no legal reason for Taco Bell to leave its employees' families with nothing,” said Tim Bell, Senior Organizer based in the Chicago Workers' Collaborative office. “Many of our members and supporters have told us that they don't want to patronize Taco Bell.”

Marchers shout "Reform! Not Racism!" in 1st-Ever March in Palatine

May 1, 2010 - About 500 Protesters from across the northwest suburbs marched for immigration reform in Palatine, IL. The marchers then rallied at St. Juan Diego Mission in Arlington Heights. Click to see Daily Herald photos and article. Click here to see slideshow.