On August 21, hundreds of union members, staff, and allies came together at the California State Capitol to rally for immigrant justice. After the rally, they went inside the capitol to urge lawmakers to pass essential immigration legislation to protect and empower California’s immigrant communities.

At the center of the rally was support for SB 294: The Workplace Know Your Rights Bill, a measure that would ensure workers are aware of their rights, especially when interacting at their workplace with law enforcement and other agencies, such as ICE or Homeland Security. 

The bill requires employers to give every employee a written notice outlining their labor and constitutional rights, both at the time of hire and on an annual basis. It also mandates that these rights be shared with employee representatives, when applicable.

“I hope our legislature will set clear policies in place that will protect our patients and workers. We need to make sure we have policies in place that make sure our workers can protect themselves and each other,” said SEIU 1021 SF Civic Center Chapter President Joy Zhan. “We need to stand with our immigrant community. As an immigrant myself who has been naturalized, it’s important that all of us stand together. When they come for one group, they come for all.”

Most California workers often don’t fully understand their rights because federal state laws can be opaque. Recent federal policy changes have increased confusion and fear, especially among vulnerable workers. This fear can prevent workers from reporting violations or asserting their rights. For example, ICE workplace raids often violate due process by detaining all workers, regardless of immigration status, and frequently infringe on constitutional rights like protection against unreasonable searches and the right to remain silent.

“I’m a first-generation American. My parents are Mexican immigrants. People like my family, my colleagues, neighbors, and fellow residents of California are facing issues around immigration because of the federal government,” said Alondra Esquivel-Garcia, SEIU 1021 SF Civic Center secretary-treasurer. 

“It’s important to speak to our legislators to ensure they are advocating on behalf of immigrant communities. We need additional protections. I’m proud to see so many SEIU affiliates here today because we need to advocate not just for union workers, but for everyone in California. It’s impactful for lawmakers to hear our stories. Everyone is scared. Hopefully, when they hear our stories, it will move them to take action.”