El Cafecito del Día: Recent Episodes
elcafecito
We invite you to sit down with us and enjoy un cafecito (a coffee break) while we catch you up on the latest from the labor movement. Brought to you by the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), our conversations are inspired by the moments of togetherness that nuestra comunidad (our community) shares over un cafecito.
Why have migrants been portrayed as a threat for more than 100 years?
In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, produced in partnership with the Labor Radio Podcast Network, we share a conversation with Eliadio Bobadilla, historian and author of the book Dangerous Migration, about the history of the anti-immigrant narratives implemented in the United States, divisions within Latino communities, labor organizing, and why immigration remains one of the most misunderstood worker issues today.
We also discuss the role of unions, the challenges immigrant workers face, and why comprehensive immigration reform is essential for working families.
Special thanks to the Labor Radio Podcast Network for inviting us to join this important conversation.
Acompáñenos!
In this special collaboration with the Labor Radio Podcast Network's Labor History Today, we had a conversation with author Marla Ramírez about her book Banished Citizens: A History of Mexican Women Who Endure Rapatriations.
This episode explores the history of mass deportations, racial profiling, and the forced removal of Mexican-American families - including U.S. citizens targeted because of their heritage - and why these histories continue to resonate today.
Listen now and join the conversation on memory, solidarity, and justice.
Acompáñenos!
In this episode of El Cafecito del Día, LCLAA explores the impact of tobacco use on Latino workers and families, and introduces the concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction. Featuring Gaby Zabala Alemán from the National Harm Reduction Coalition, the conversation addresses stigma, misinformation, and practical pathways toward healthier choices.
This episode centers on empowering our comunidad with accurate information, compassionate support, and real options.
Acompáñenos!
In the latest episode of El Cafecito del Día, we share a conversation with Chelsey Glaubitz Gabiou, president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation AFL-CIO. We talk about how the labor movement is responding to immigration enforcement actions impacting workers and their families.
As a large-scale operation, Metro Surge has shown us how enforcement actions can lead to lost wages, workplace disruption, and deep economic and social impacts on our communities. With working families struggling to stay afloat, rapid response networks and mutual aid efforts have become a critical source of support.
Our guest highlights how unions and community partners are stepping up to ensure no family faces detention, deportation threats, or economic hardship alone.
Acompañénos!
En este nuevo episodio de El Cafecito del Día compartimos una poderosa conversación con Sonia Vasquez Luna, primera latina electa como concejal en Manassas, Virginia, y miembro de la Junta Directiva de LCLAA.
Hablamos sobre cómo las mujeres latinas están rompiendo barreras y construyendo poder y liderazgo desde sus sindicatos, en las comunidades y en los gobiernos locales. Esta conversación aborda la importancia de la participación de las mujeres en los procesos democráticos del país.
Acompáñenos!
In this episode of El Cafecito del Día, we share the story of a family facing uncertainty with courage and resilience.
Eustaquio Orozco is widely known as a dedicated LCLAA member, labor organizer, and brave advocate for immigrant workers. But beyond his leadership in the labor movement, he is also a father and the heart of his family.
After his detention by ICE in Minnesota, his family has been navigating the emotional and personal impact of his absence. Acompáñenos as we reflect with his son, Gerardo, on family, immigration, resilience, and the legacy of a leader who has fought for his community.
In this powerful episode of El Cafecito del Día, we sit down with Grecia Palomar, LCLAA Twin Cities Chapter President, to talk about how unions, LCLAA members, community organizations, and labor leaders are supporting working families across Minnesota during a time of heightened fear, harmful immigration policies, and violence impacting families. We explore how unions are stepping up in solidarity, and what it means to defend dignity and justice.
Acomapáñenos!
Join us at El Cafecito del Día for a conversation with Ivonne Santiago, LCLAA Advocacy and Communications intern, on the power, resilience, and leadership of young activists. This Cafecito is dedicated to all young leaders who have been leading their families long before they ever were called activists.
Acompáñenos!
En este episodio hablamos sobre el impacto de las acciones y políticas migratorias de Estados Unidos en El Salvador.
Junto a Amparo Marroquín, Vicerrectora de Proyección Social de la Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA) y experta en migración, analizamos cómo estas políticas afectan a las comunidades migrantes y al país que recibe a sus hermanos lejanos. También hablamos sobre los retos que enfrentan los deportados y retornados al llegar a un país que no está preparado para recibirles.
Acompañénos!
In a moment when fear is used as policy, young Latinos are rising as leaders in Chicago. In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we share a conversation with Ely Bahena, a LCLAA Trabajadoras Fellow, Community advocate, justice-driven young leader from La Villita, and chief of staff for the 22nd Ward in Chicago. We confront a harsh reality on how immigration policies are reshaping childhood - and how courage, resilience, and collective power are pushing back. This is more than a conversation. It is a call to stand strong with the next generation of justice leaders.
Acompáñenos!
In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we take a deep look at how Chicago's Immigrant Workers and their families are being impacted by raids and enforcement actions - and how communities, union leaders, and advocates are rising in powerful solidarity. From rapid response networks to frontline organizing, this conversation highlights the strength, courage, and unity that define the Labor Movement in moments of crisis. Acompáñenos as we honor those standing up for due process, dignity, and the rights of every worker, LCLAA members, and union siblings to continue this fight juntos!
In this new special episode of El Cafecito del Día, we share a conversation with Tiffany Roman, LCLAA Rocky Mountain Chapter President, AFGE, and HISCO Chair. We talked about how the government shutdown is hitting working families and federal workers across the country. Acompáñenos, as we dive into how union siblings can support those in need at this critical moment.
In the latest episode of El Cafecito del Día, we unpack the economic and social impact of the DC takeover on working families, local neighborhoods, and the Latino community. From job insecurity to small-business struggles and fear of raids and immigration enforcement actions, we explore with Ana Reyes, a Latina business owner at El Tamarindo, how these changes are reshaping the heart of our city.
Acompáñenos!
En este nuevo episodio de El Cafecito del Día compartimos una importante conversación con Mily Treviño Sauceda, directora ejecutiva y cofundadora de Alianza de Mujeres Campesinas. Hablamos sobre el impacto que tiene la brecha salarial y la falta de protecciones en las trabajadoras agrícolas y cómo este problema afecta la vida de sus familias. Nuestra invitada nos compartió, además, cómo las trabajadoras de California unieron esfuerzos para crear la Alianza de Mujeres Campesinas, una organización que dedica su lucha a la defensa de los derechos y la visibilización de las trabajadoras del campo.
Acompañénos!
On this special Constitution Day episode of El Cafecito del Día, we reflect on why the U.S. Constitution matters for all of us, especially immigrant and working communities. The Constitution is a living promise that protects our rights and freedoms, yet today it faces attacks through anti-immigrant policies and even Supreme Court decisions that permit profiling for speaking Spanish. We discuss with Cheryl Nero, consulting for the Task Force for American Democracy, why knowing the Constitution is vital, how it empowers us to defend democracy, and what unions, allies, and communities can do to ensure everyone understands this document and exercises their rights.
Acompáñenos!
Since last March, many of us have followed the story of Kilmar Abrégo García, an immigrant from El Salvador, detained and wrongly deported to El CECOT, the infamous mega Salvadoran prison.
Why does this case matter? Why is Kimar's story so relevant today? And how does it reveal the ways immigrant workers resist today's anti-immigrant policies?
Join us for a conversation with Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President of SEIU 32BJ's Capital Area District, as we dive deep into this urgent and powerful story.
Acompañénos!
En este nuevo episodio de El Cafecito del Día, we share a conversation with Ximena Arias Cristobal, a young activist who was detained and taken to the Whitfield County Jail in Georgia, and one of the keynote speakers at the 25th LCLAA National Convention, in Atlanta, Georgia. By sharing her story, she has become the voice de los inmigrantes que sufren las consecuencias of the anti-immigrant policies and an advocate for young latinos and immigrant families.
En este nuevo Cafecito del Día conversamos con la Congresista por el 3r Distrito de Illinois, Delia Ramírez sobre el impacto devastador de las políticas migratorias en la comunidad Latina y rol, fundamental que juegan los sindicatos en la defensa de los derechos de las familias trabajadoras migrantes, en el fortalecimiento de la solidaridad y en el apoyo a quienes más lo necesitan. Acompañénos!
In this special episode of Cafecito del Día on Pride Month, we share a conversation with Brittany Anderson, Interim Executive Director at Pride At Work. We talk about the dangerous wave of hate and discrimination impacting LGBTQ+ communities following the elimination of the DEI programs and the Executive Orders targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Learn how the Labor Movement can stand up, speak out, organize, and mobilize to defend all our siblings and to protect the Fabric of Freedom.
Acompáñenos!
En el último episodio de El Cafecito del Día, compartimos una conversación sobre la campaña Medicare Para Todos, una lucha liderada por la National Nurses Association, una acción en la que nuestras enfermeras alzan la voz por un sistema de salud universal justo y accesible para las personas del país, sin importar su origen. Acompáñenos!
¿Sabes qué es el Real ID y para que se usará? ¿Ya tienes un Real ID?
En este nuevo episodio del Cafecito del Día te contamos todo sobre el Real ID. Cuándo entra en vigencia su uso en ciertos espacios, qué hacer para obtener un Real ID y los problemas que enfrentan quienes solicitan y tramitan este documento. Acompáñanos y descubramos juntos para qué se usa este nuevo documento.
🎙️ In the latest episode of El Cafecito del Día, we share a conversation with Jeeva Muhil about the powerful role young women are playing in the fight for justice in the garment industry. 👟
Tune in to hear how the GLJ-led campaign calling out Nike is lifting up the voices of women workers.
In this episode of El Cafecito del Día, para cerrar Women's Month compartimos un cafecito with Dora Cervantes, Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM, LCLAA National Vice President, and a trailblazing Latina leader in the labor movement.
We dive into the challenges Latinas face in the workplace—from wage gaps to representation—and discuss how we can keep fighting and advocating for women’s rights, fair wages, and stronger workplaces for all. Acompáñenos!
On the latest episode of El Cafecito del Día in collaboration with Eli Lilly, we talk with Victor Cruz, vice president, senior corporate, about how the partnership between the pharmaceutical industry can create jobs, opportunities, and a stronger community. 💼💊Don't miss this insightful conversation!🎙️☕
¿Sabías que como trabajador inmigrante tienes derechos y que juntos podemos defender tus derechos? En este episodio de El Cafecito del Día exploramos junto a Stephanie Sepúlveda, especialista en Temas de Trabajo e Inmigración del AFL-CIO, cómo los sindicatos pueden ser aliados clave por el respeto a los derechos de los trabajadores inmigrantes. Acompáñanos!
En este episodio del Cafecito del Día in collaboration with Eli Lilly, we break down the facts and myths sobre la obesidad. Hablamos con el doctor Francisco Prieto, experto en Medicina Familiar y presidente del Comité Nacional de Defensa de ADA sobre los retos y desafíos que enfrentan los trabajadores con esta condición. Join us for an informative and compassionate conversation!
In the first episode of Season 3, we break down the impact and meaning of the Executive Orders signed by President Trump on day 1, to dismantle the DEI Programs. We discuss with Melody Gonzales, former executive director of The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunities for Hispanic, how these presidential actions are rolling back protections and workers' rights. Acompáñenos!
In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we shared a cafecito with Veronica Segovia Bedon, program manager director of Family Caregiver at AARP to discuss the vital role caregivers play in our families and the unique challenges they face every day. We also explore the importance of recognizing and identifying yourself as a caregiver, a first step in accessing the support and resources you deserve.
Listen now and join the conversation about how we can uplift and empower caregivers in our community!
Acompáñenos en este nuevo episodio de El Cafecito del Día en el que compartimos una conversación con Vanessa Cárdenas, directora de America's Voice. Hablamos sobre el impacto negativo que podría tener en las familias latinas la implementación de las propuestas del Proyecto 2025, la promesa conservadora y cómo estas políticas representan una amenaza para la Comunidad Latina.
No se pierda este nuevo episodio de El Cafecito del Día. Compartimos información crítica sobre cómo la brecha salarial que afecta a las trabajadoras latinas también impacta de forma negativa a sus familias y sus comunidades. Acompáñenos!
On this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we dive into the launch of the new LCLAA Student Alliance. Join us for an insightful conversation with Lucas Cedeño Villegas, president, and Gabriel Cesar Muñoz, Vice President of the alliance, as we discuss how students can become members and get active on their campuses. Don’t miss out on learning how this movement is empowering students to advocate for their rights and build stronger communities. Tune in now!
On this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we dive into the exciting Twin Cities and Rocky Mountain Chapters launch. Grecia Palomar and Tiffany Roman, new chapter presidents shared their goals and how each chapter will make a lasting impact in the Latino communities in both cities.
Welcome to a new episode of El Cafecito del Día! In today's episode, we explore the journey and the challenges faced by workers who created the Amazon Labor Union (ALU). Join us as we uncover the power of solidarity and the impact of collective action in the workplace, while they achieve the fight for better working conditions and fair treatment and become an inspiration for the documentary Union.
Dive into our latest episode of El Cafecito del Día where we explore the power of Concerts for Democracy and the vital role music and art play in promoting civic participation among Latinos in the country. We shared this Cafecito with Eljuri, a great singer, songwriter, and artist committed to defending and promoting Latino rights.
In this episode of El Cafecito del Día, we sit down with Delia García, one of the two Latinas serving as Regional Administrator of the Women's Bureau to discuss vital protections for Latina workers. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on rights, challenges, and progress!
En este nuevo episodio hablamos con trabajadores agrícolas de North Carolina, de la organización El Futuro es Nuestro, sobre las muertes de trabajadores en este estado y cómo estas tragedias afectan la vida de las familias inmigrantes.
On May 23, LCLAA's National President, Evelyn DeJesus, participated as one of the keynote speakers, at the CBTU 53rd International Convention held in Houston, Texas. During her powerful speech, LCLAA's President called for unity and solidarity among Latino, Brown, and Afro-American workers to defend as brothers and sisters, all worker's rights. We share at this Cafecito Especial del Día National President's speech. Acompañénos!
Acompáñenos en este nuevo Cafecito del Día, en el que hablamos con Marta Gabriel, farmer worker y miembro de la organización We Count, sobre los riesgos que enfrentan los trabajadores agrícolas y la incertidumbre que sufren con la llegada de la época calurosa, que les causa afectaciones a su salud y que puede provocarles la muerte. Además, hablamos sobre las condiciones laborales injustas a las que están expuestos los farmer workers en el país.
Join us on our latest episode of El Cafecito del Día, as The AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler, emphasizes work safety for Immigrant Workers, during Worker's Memorial Day and while we discuss with Courtney Jenkins, President of The Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO the crucial role of Unions, Union members, and Labor organizations in supporting workers facing unsafe work conditions.
Tune in for a key conversation on protecting all workers' rights.
El 26 de marzo, la noticia del colapso del Francis Scott Key Bridge conmocionó a los residentes de Baltimore. Seis trabajadores inmigrantes perdieron la vida tras la caída del puente y miles de personas que residen en las zonas aledañas se vieron afectadas. En medio de la tragedia el presidente Biden anunció que los trabajadores sindicalizados y los sindicatos tendrán a su cargo la reconstrucción de la infraestructura. Acompáñenos a compartir este Cafecito del Día junto a Miguel Díaz, del Sindicato de los Obreros de la Construcción, LIUNA, Local 710 de Baltimore para hablar sobre estos temas.
El Cafecito del Día joined the Fairfax County American Federation of Teachers (AFT) for its books distribution event. We shared a conversation with David Walrod, president of the Fairfax County AFT about how a book distribution event can have a positive impact in the community, specially in Latino students. Additionally, we discussed the backlashes of banning books among our children and how parents can play an active role in encouraging students to read. Full episode available here.
In this episode we delve into a pivotal moment in the fight for fair wages and improved working conditions within the California State University system.
Through this conversation with assistant profesor, Ricardo Valencia, we uncover the significance of the agreement reached by academics y profesores, which not only addresses long-standing grievances but also promises to benefit a demographic often marginalized in academia: women.
Join us and share this Cafecito del Día with the Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, in which we discussed the vital contributions of Latino Workers and the importance of the partnership between Government, Workers and Unions for America's success.
Tune in to our El Cafecito del Día for an inspiring dialogue with Secretary Su.
Join us to share el primer Cafecito del Día de 2024 with LCLAA's presidenta Nacional, Evelyn DeJesus, in which we highlight listed topics of LCLAA's Annual Report Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for America's Success.
In this episode we address issues such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable opportunities. How unions can truly become beacons of support for all workers. And how together, workers and unions can build a foundation that uplifts the voices and rights of every worker this 2024.
In this episode we will learn about how unfair wages are impacting Latino workers and families in California, due to the high housing cost hotel workers are fighting for a fair living wage in order to provide for their families. These are some of the challenges countless Latino workers face and which we highlight in our upcoming Publication titled: "Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for America's Success." Learn more by listening to this new episode.
In this new episode: 118 Days, La Victoria de los Trabajadores in the Entertainment Industry we join actress Chelsea Rendon, member of SAG-AFTRA, to untie the impact and significance of the hard-fought agreement reached by Latino actors, actrices and workers in the industry. From adversity to triumph, we discover how this pivotal moment shapes the future of representation and better working conditions para todos los trabajadores.
In this episode, we will step into the world of educators facing un gran reto. Noel Candelaria, Secretary-treasurer of the National Education Association (NEA) shares a conversation with us about the challenges and obstacles that teachers are facing at schools. And how our community can support teachers and educators.
We are sharing a special edition for Veterans Day of El Cafecito del Día. In this segment we had a conversation with Danitza García James, US Army combat veteran, and Chief Director of Repatriate Our Patriots, and Hector Barajas, Director of Deported Veterans Support House about the deportation of veterans and the Veterans Service Act, a proposal that addresses the serious issues that military service members, veterans and their families are facing in our country because of their immigration status.
This week in El Cafecito del Día we shared a conversation with with Sonia Vasquez Luna, the first Latina elected as Member of the City Council in Manassas, Virginia, and the first Hispanic immigrant woman elected as Business Manager for LIUNA local 572, about the importance of Latino vote and Latino candidate participation in local elections.
In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we talk about the initiative Opportunity for All Campaign. Alongside our guest Carlos Alarcon, from UCLA, we address key points about the need of a state-level initiative that allows job hiring for undocumented students and discussions that raise awareness among the immigrant community about the importance of creating opportunities and alternative plans to the immigration reform that have not yet been materialized.
In this episode we discuss the recent wave of book bannings that has taken root across the United States alongside Noel Candelaria, a special education teacher and National Education Association Secretary-Treasurer. In 2022 we saw a 250% increase in the number of proposed bills related to book banning. This episode unpacks the impact these bans are having on teachers, parents, and students across the country. Visit http://nea.org/takeaction to learn more about what you can do to support the families impacted.
February is Black History Month, a time to pay tribute to and honor the legacies of Black and Afro-latino/a leaders, both past and present. Hear from Janella T. Hinds, an outstanding labor leader, long-standing LCLAA member, and Vice President for Academic High Schools for the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) to learn about her experience in the labor movement. Listen to learn more about the importance of centering Afro-Latino/a voices and intersectionality in the labor movement
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is more than just an environmental law - it is a tool that helps advance civil rights. Hear from Stephen Schima, the senior legislative council at EarthJustice to learn about how unions and community activists have utilized the law to create good paying union jobs and make environmental justice a reality.
Learn about the FABRIC Act - which stands for The Fashion Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change, and what it could mean for the Latino community. Hear from the executive director of the Garment Worker Center, and organization that supports Los Angeles garment workers as they transform the fashion industry to eliminate sweatshop labor.
We share this Cafecito with Maggie Castro, Senior Audience Manager for Hispanic Latino Strategies of AARP. AARP is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.
Illinois ballots in the November election will include a vote on an amendment to the state's constitution known as the Workers' Rights Amendment, or Amendment 1, but what does it do and why does it matter? Listen to this bilingual episode to hear from Secretary-Treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor Don Vilar and Jose Alcala, President of Painter's Local 184 and LCLAA’s Chicago Metro Chapter to learn more!
Did you know that undocumented folks can benefit from the higher wages, benefits and protections that come with a union contract? In this episode, we interview AFL-CIO Immigration and Labor specialist Stephanie Sepulveda to breakdown a recently released guidance by the Department of Labor for undocumented workers engaged in labor disputes. Listen in to learn more about deferred action and other legal protections granted to undocumented folks that speak out against unfair working conditions!
Hear from Sam Amato and Christian Miranda, two Starbucks union leaders, about their fight for better wages and living conditions. Sam worked at Starbucks for 13 years before he was fired in retaliation for his union leadership. After watching management fire him in the cafe, Sam's coworkers immediately walked out on strike. Christian's leadership led to the second Starbucks union win in Miami Springs, Florida.
In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that Latinos made up 9% of all union members - and that there were roughly 1 million fewer women in the movement when compared to their male counterparts. It is clear that Latinas are under-represented in these spaces. Hear the stories of two Latina leaders in the trades, Liliana Calderon and Cristina Barillas-McEntee, as they share their stories of resilience, sisterhood and mentorship.
Housing costs have continued to rise across the United States. In this cafecito, we focus on Northern Virginia’s housing issues with Evelin Urrutia, Executive Director of Tenants and Workers United. We discuss their work, the current local housing policies in place, and what housing justice would mean for our Latino working class communities.
In this cafecito, we discuss the historic independent union win that happened this past February in Silao Guanajuato, Mexico. 6400 workers at a General Motors plant voted to be represented by SINTTIA, an Independent Union of Auto Industry Workers. This episode includes an interview with the organizations’ secretary general, Alejandra Morales Reynoso. Our conversation was conducted in her native language, Spanish – but at the end, I provide a summary of our conversation in English. The collective sheds light on previous leadership and how their failure led to the historic nomination of a new union representative, SINITTA.
Pursuing a higher education is often not attainable for everyone. Finances and documentation status often plays a large role, so we beg the question: what programs exist to help students aid their studies? This week we sat down with Nardi Velasquez and Ethan Mercado, the co-community outreach coordinators for UndocuMason. This student-led organization aims to create a more inclusive environment for undocumented immigrants through education and advocacy.
The episode includes an interview with Saul Gomez, member of the Mexico-City based collective for Rideshare Food Delivery Drivers, #NiUnReparditorMenos. Our conversation was conducted in his native language, Spanish -- but at the end, I provide a summary of our conversation in English. The collective was created after Jose Manuel Matias, a rideshare food delivery driver, was run over by a truck while on the job. The collective, created 4 years ago, has been working towards better working conditions and protections for rideshare workers.
LGBTQ+ Rights seem to be taking a step backwards in recent years. What does Labor have to do to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people are supported? Our inaugural episode includes a conversation with Jerame Davis, Executive Director of Pride at Work and a discussion of what the labor movement can and should do to support LGBTQ+ people in the workforce - especially this pride month.