News

Advocates Applaud Emergency, Short-term Relief for Excluded Workers, and Call for Full Safety Net for All Workers to Meet Humanitarian Crisis

- April 15, 2020

Today, Governor Newsom announced the establishment of a public-private partnership to provide disaster relief to undocumented workers. This financial assistance is a crucial stopgap for the survival of many immigrant families until the legislature reconvenes in May. The announcement comes on the heels of immigrant worker advocates in recent weeks calling for inclusion of undocumented … Continue reading “Advocates Applaud Emergency, Short-term Relief for Excluded Workers, and Call for Full Safety Net for All Workers to Meet Humanitarian Crisis”

Alexis Alvarez and Kim Oulliette Discuss How Undocumented Workers are Excluded from Many—but not all—Employment Benefit Programs During the COVID-19 Crisis

CalMatters - April 14, 2020

Alexis and Kim discuss the obstacles and opportunities for undocumented workers seeking benefits. They explain which benefits are—and aren't—available to undocumented workers, explain the steps undocumented workers can take to apply for benefits, and provide practical information about how long the process usually takes.

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Carole Vigne talks with the LA Times about the Difficulties Workers Are Having in Trying to File Unemployment Claims in California

Los Angeles Times - April 10, 2020

Carole Vigne, Director of LAAW's Wage Protection Program, speaks with the Los Angeles Times about the logistical hurdles many workers are experiencing in trying to file unemployment insurance claims in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Carole speaks to how workers are likely to see significant delays in the processing of these claims due to staffing constraints at the Employment Development Department (EDD).

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Letter to Gov. Newsom re Undocumented Workers in the Covid-19 Crisis

Legal Aid at Work and 100+ Organizations Call on Governor Newsom to Protect Undocumented Workers Affected by the Covid-19 Outbreak

April 8, 2020

Legal Aid at Work and a coalition of over 100 organizations sent a letter to Governor Newsom, calling on California to protect undocumented workers during the Covid-19 crisis. The letter asks that all workers be allowed access to benefit programs—regardless of citizenship or immigration status—and that California take several other specific steps to protect vulnerable … Continue reading “Legal Aid at Work and 100+ Organizations Call on Governor Newsom to Protect Undocumented Workers Affected by the Covid-19 Outbreak”

Chris Ho talks about Issues Facing Undocumented Restaurant Workers During COVID-19 Crisis

The Counter - March 31, 2020

Christopher Ho, director of LAAW's National Origin and Immigrants' Rights Program, speaks with The Counter about the lack of a safety net for undocumented restaurant workers during the Covid-19 crisis. The article discusses the work of advocates to provide relief funds to undocumented workers in the short-term as well as the long-term efforts to create structural change.

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Katherine Wutchiett speaks with the San Francisco Chronicle about Gaps in the Social Safety Net for Low-wage Workers

San Francisco Chronicle - March 26, 2020

LAAW attorney Katherine Wutchiett speaks to the San Francisco Chronicle about the issues facing low-wage workers during the COVID-19 crisis and the need for significant improvements to the social safety net during this crisis and beyond. The article also discusses a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom from LAAW and a coalition of over 120 California labor, family advocacy, legal, civil rights and other groups requesting executive action to protect workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

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Image of Logos of Legal Aid at Work, CELA, and other Coalition Members

California Coalition Representing Millions of Workers Seeks Executive Action by Governor Newsom During COVID-19 Crisis

- March 26, 2020

SACRAMENTO (March 26, 2020)—More than 125 organizations say gaps in worker protections desperately need to be filled by Governor Gavin Newsom and the legislature. The urgent action required is detailed in a letter asking state leaders to protect the health, safety, and economic well-being of workers impacted by the new coronavirus outbreak. While all Californians … Continue reading “California Coalition Representing Millions of Workers Seeks Executive Action by Governor Newsom During COVID-19 Crisis”

LAAW in the New York Times about How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits

New York Times - March 25, 2020

Work & Family Program Director Sharon Terman provides practical advice to workers about their rights to Unemployment Insurance and other supports that help workers replace lost income or keep their jobs during the Coronavirus outbreak.

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Coronavirus Update: Legal Information for Workers

March 21, 2020

Many workers have questions about how the Coronavirus outbreak will affect their jobs and income. Legal Aid at Work has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Coronavirus, which you can view at https://legalaidatwork.org/factsheet/coronavirus-faq/. We will update this factsheet as new information becomes available. The FAQ is also available in Spanish … Continue reading “Coronavirus Update: Legal Information for Workers”