Accomplishments

Came together as workers to expose sweatshop conditions and exploitation as a national problem that exists right here domestically, in the United States, including coverage in the local, city, national and international media.
Raised consciousness about the common interest between native-born workers and immigrant workers in ending the superexploitation of undocumented workers. We have influenced the immigration debate with our call for equal rights for all workers and the abolition of the category of “undocumented worker.”
Through organizing, shattered the myth that immigrant workers, and especially undocumented workers cannot fight back, by uniting undocumented and documented workers to stand up for their rights in many workplaces and in a call for equal rights for all workers. This kind of organizing is resulting in higher wages and shorter hours in many in New York City’s Upper West Side neighborhood, for instance.
Lead by example in helping to build a new, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-trade, multi-lingual, inclusive movement for all workers – employed, working as caregivers in the home, working as students in school — to fight, not only for better conditions, but for real control over our lives, as working people. We articulate taking back control over our time as fighting for the right to the 40-hour workweek at a living wage as a human right.
Put in motion a model for a new labor movement that is more than an employees movement, but is for all workers, including the unemployed, people who do unpaid work in the home, and the non-union majority, to fight to fundamentally transform the system according to the interests and needs of working people as a whole.
Brought forward the question of caregiving as work that should be included in the right to a 40-hour workweek at a living wage for all.
Changed many workers’ thinking to overcome their fears and to open their minds to the possibility of, not only changing economic conditions, but fighting, long-term for systemic changes. As one member put it at our 2009 retreat, “we’re not just organizing for better conditions but for control.” For example, garment workers organizing against the manufacturer Bahari demanded more than what they were entitled to according to the law – they demanded that Bahari clothing manufacturer keep a percentage of its work here, in New York. One nail salon worker, Gloria said that before she found NMASS she didn’t think her conditions could be changed. Now she thinks, “I am an achievement. NMASS changed my thinking. I want to change the nail salon industry.” Rosa, a garment worker, added, we “help people to end the fear of speaking up, even if you are undocumented.”
Expanded the definition of who is a worker and who is exploited to include middle-income and even higher-income white-collar workers. These workers also lack control over their time and lives, and now have less and less control. For example, we launched a White Collar Workers Committee, ignited by the struggle of an office worker who was fired for asking for a raise and discussing with her coworkers and supervisor the long work hours and skipped meals she was forced endure. Workers at several different workplaces, including non-profits, have also come forward.
Put forward a new perspective on workfare and welfare reform that calls not for more handouts or cheap-labor programs, but for the recognition of the work of raising children and making a home.
Built two independent workers’ centers, after only meeting in apartments, community spaces and even having clinics and meetings on sidewalks.
Created a national network of over 9,000 working people and youth.
Developed a multiracial organization, membership, leadership and Board of Directors composed of working people from diverse walks of life.