The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ) announced on Wednesday afternoon it is shutting down. “After 13 years of uniting low-wage immigrant workers to promote social and economic justice regarding workers’ rights, housing, and immigration laws, all with the support of allies in faith communities, unions, and community volunteers, we have made the […]
Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa
Posted inEastern Iowa
Mazahir Salih is stepping down as executive director of the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa
Mazahir Salih announced on Monday that she is stepping down as executive director of the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ). “It has been an honor to serve in this role, and it has also taken a toll on me and my family. It’s time for me to step away and focus on […]
Posted inCommunity/News
The Center for Worker Justice reflects on 10 years of advocacy, from the $10.10 pledge to COVID relief
Mazahir Salih learned about the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa by coincidence. In 2012, she moved to Iowa with her family. They settled in Coralville and her children went to school, with the exception of her 2-year-old son. Two months after moving, Salih took her son to the Coralville Public Library to pass […]
Posted inCommunity/News
After years of delay, the Forest View relocation program begins to move forward
Cindy Onnen has lived in Forest View Mobile Home Court for half a century. She moved there with her husband and 2-year-old son in 1971, when the rent was $25. “It went up to $35 the next month, and I was mad. Gosh, to say that now, people would say, ‘Really? You’re that old?’” Onnen […]
Posted inCommunity/News
University of Iowa Labor Center, slated for closure in 2019, celebrates 70 years
The University of Iowa Labor Center will celebrate 70 years of empowering workers in the Hawkeye State this Saturday, May 7. Surviving the threat of closure and a pandemic, the Labor Center continues to play a vital role in tackling the challenges facing workers statewide. “The Labor Center is our state university’s commitment to the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Sen. Cory Booker visits the Center for Workers Justice, joined by Rosario Dawson, local leaders
Sen. Cory Booker repeatedly talked about love and its political importance during a campaign stop at the Center for Workers Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ) on Saturday morning. “Love is not sentimentality, it’s not kumbaya,” Booker explained. “Love says that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Love says that we welcome the stranger.”
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Vigil in Cedar Rapids on Monday evening to support families affected by the Mt. Pleasant ICE raid
There will be a vigil in Cedar Rapids in support of the families of the 32 workers who were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Wednesday. The vigil, which starts at 5 p.m., will be held in front of Sen. Chuck Grassley’s regional office 111 7th Ave SE.
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En Español: The Center for Worker Justice celebrates five years of service
This November the Center for Worker Justice celebrated its fifth anniversary. Thanks to their efforts, workers whose labor rights had been infringed have received more than $60,000 for their losses.
Posted inCommunity/News
‘A better life is something you build’: Iowa City Council candidate Mazahir Salih hopes to create a more inclusive community
Mazahir Salih, a candidate for one of two at-large seats on the Iowa City Council, is focusing on building a more inclusive community in Iowa City by addressing affordable housing, building partnerships with local businesses and improving public transportation.
Posted inCommunity/News
Protesters stand up for immigrant rights outside Cedar Rapids ICE offices
A group of activists and community members gathered on the south side of Cedar Rapids Thursday afternoon outside a nondescript building with a tiny sign: “Homeland Security.” They were protesting the detention of Asucena Natareno Ramirez, who had been detained following a routine check-in at the Cedar Rapids office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa workers and activists continue to fight for higher wages and support for unions
It has been two years since the Johnson County Board of Supervisors made state history by raising the minimum wage to $10.10. After this and other local measures to raise the minimum wage were crushed by the Republican-dominated state legislature, workers have vowed to keep fighting, and Iowa organizations are not waiting until the 2018 election season to take a stand. This Thursday, for example, the a Unite for Worker Justice rally will take over the Iowa City Ped Mall to highlight the ways local activists are striving to defend workers’ rights, as well as fighting for immigrant families.
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Center for Worker Justice hosts fundraising dance Tuesday at The Mill
The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ) will host a fundraiser Tuesday at The Mill in the name of social justice and set to a Latin beat.
