ABOUT

Est. 1976

Since our founding in 1976, WESTERN SERVICE WORKERS ASSOCIATION (WSWA) has built a membership of more than 30,000 low-income service workers who work in low-paid jobs as caregivers and domestic workers, in tourism, and as gig workers, part-time, seasonal and temporary workers. We recognize that only through building strong organization can we change the poverty conditions we face and reverse the policies that continue to impoverish and disable low-income workers and their families.

The front of WSWA's office central.

Read Our History

Who was
Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth (c. 1797-1883), a domestic worker, was a tireless advocate and fighter for the plight of the most exploited and marginalized. Herself, a freed slave, she fought for the abolition of slavery, as well as the rights of African American women who were denied the right to vote even after the formal end of slavery. Sojourner Truth believed and taught others that it was possible to create a new world through their collective actions.

WSWA began when concerned citizens and low-income working people in Orange County heard of the success of an organizing drive of attendant care and domestic workers in Sacramento, and determined they would launch an organizing effort of their own.

They banded together with others in the community who had previously attempted to organize to change conditions in low-income communities. Students, teachers, professionals, clergy and other concerned residents joined in the effort on a volunteer basis to fight for decent living and working conditions.

Independent

100% Volunteer

WSWA volunteer signs up a member.

Orange County Service Worker Facts

Don’t Mourn, Organize!

Benefits

WSWA volunteers brief a benefit session.

WSWA members have built an 11-point, self-help membership benefit program of emergency food, clothing, legal advice, preventive medical care, a quarterly membership newspaper and more, while developing the organizational strength to fight to end official policies that drive up living costs and drive out living wage jobs.

Accomplishments

WSWA volunteer delivers a box of food to a WSWA member.

  • WSWA distributes 25,000 pounds of non-perishable and fresh food each year.

  • Volunteer advocates assist WSWA members in restoring electricity and water service to their homes.

  • Volunteer attorneys hold legal advice sessions and educational presentations on landlord tenant law assisting members in avoiding homelessness by stopping illegal evictions.

  • Volunteer dentists, assisted by volunteer lay advocates, provide free-of-charge non-emergency dental care monthly.

  • Volunteers host bi-weekly Survival English Classes to dozens of members to teach essential English phrases.

Western Service
Workers Association

1717 N. Bush Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 835-9961

Labor donated