Our Impact & Victories
Legislative Wins
Warehouse Worker Safety Act
Awood Center led the charge to pass the historic Warehouse Worker Safety Act in Minnesota, ensuring protections for thousands of logistics workers against extreme quotas and unsafe speeds.
Transportation Justice
Advocating for fair pay and safety protections for ride-share and delivery drivers across the Twin Cities.
Workplace Victories
Amazon Worker Organizing
Workers at Amazon facilities have organized through Awood to secure better treatment, cultural accommodations, and a seat at the table.
Community Leadership
Building the next generation of leaders to advocate for systemic change.
Our Impact in 2025
Through organizing, advocacy, and culturally grounded education, Awood Center supported hundreds of East African workers in securing their rights, navigating workplace challenges, and building collective power.
Culturally Grounded
Education
Our quarterly worker rights trainings in Somali and English reach 200+ low-wage immigrant workers with essential knowledge on workplace safety, wage theft prevention, anti-retaliation laws, and more.
Key Areas
Worker Rights & Employment Advocacy
- •200 Amazon warehouse workers successfully upgraded from white badge (temporary status) to blue badge (permanent status), gaining full employment benefits — thanks to the powerful collective efforts of the workers and Awood Center's organizing and advocacy support.
- •Provided direct advocacy for over 100 workers facing wrongful termination, retaliation, unsafe conditions, and discrimination.
Quarterly Worker Rights Trainings
- •Hosted quarterly worker rights trainings in Somali and English covering:
- •Workplace safety protections
- •Wage theft prevention
- •Anti-retaliation laws
- •Workers' compensation navigation
- •Rights during immigration enforcement
- •Reached 200+ low-wage immigrant workers through culturally grounded education.
Workers' Compensation Support
- •Assisted 75+ injured warehouse workers in filing and navigating workers' compensation claims, including injury documentation, employer communication, and legal referrals.
- •Helped workers access medical care and wage replacement benefits.
Advocacy for Pregnant Workers
- •Supported pregnant women facing unsafe conditions or denial of accommodations.
- •Helped workers understand and exercise rights under pregnancy and workplace protection laws.
Collaboration with Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
- •Partnered with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry to elevate concerns about warehouse safety and labor violations.
- •Strengthened accountability pathways between immigrant workers and state enforcement agencies.
Legal & Immigration Advocacy
- •Provided legal navigation, attorney referrals, and know-your-rights education in response to intensified ICE enforcement.
- •Coordinated rapid-response outreach through mosques, community networks, and worker leaders.
Community Power Building
- •Expanded bilingual outreach capacity and strengthened worker leadership pipelines.
- •Deepened partnerships with immigrant justice and labor rights coalitions statewide.