Western Service Workers Association
ABOUT
Since our founding in 1977, Western Service Workers Association (WSWA) has built a membership of more than 30,000 low-income 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 conditions we live with and reverse the policies that impoverish and disable low-income workers and their families.
WSWA began when concerned citizens and low-income working people in San Diego County heard of the success of an organizing drive of attendant care and domestic workers in Sacramento and Santa Ana, 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.
WSWA Unites Low-Income Workers With Allies
WSWA was founded as a free and voluntary, unincorporated private membership association of the area’s low-income workers. WSWA’s uniquely successful method of Systemic Organizing enables anyone who dares to care, and is willing to work, to build an organization that unites low-income workers with allies from all walks of life who are also affected by the economic problems faced by low-income workers.
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.
To find out more about WSWA and our work, come in and spend a day volunteering.
Call (619) 238-9763 and ask how you can get involved.
Illustration by Gabriel Lipper
Nearly 50 Years Experience -
30,000 + Members Signed
WSWA is open to volunteers and members 365 days-a-year. The more volunteers we have, the stronger voice we create to put forth our demands for systemic change. Jobs with wages we can live on, adequate food, safe and secure housing and utilities are necessities for all working people.
Join as a volunteer today!
Accomplishments
After 10 years of advocacy through a grass-roots campaign led by WSWA members, the City of San Diego agreed to end water shutoffs of low-income residents.
WSWA distributes more than 200,000 pounds of food to members each year.
WSWA organizes preventive medical sessions with WSWA’s volunteer medical professionals, completely free-of-charge.
WSWA has averted hundreds of evictions for members through the assistance of volunteer attorneys and lay advocates.