History

1970s CPA was strongly influenced by progressive movements across the country in the 1960s and 70’s as well as shaped by founders of the Chinese Workers Mutual Aid Association (CWMAA) of the 1930’s. CWMAA fought for the rights of unemployed workers during the Great Depression and joined the Unemployed Worker Councils. Their role was to provide a progressive voice in the Chinese community and to fight for the rights of the low income and working class community...

1980s The inauguration of President Reagan in 1981 ushered some of the most conservative social and economic policies of our time. The huge military budget build-up of the 1980’s led to severe funding cuts in public education and social services. Civil rights were further challenge. Organized labor faced new attacks and workers’ rights to organize suffered setbacks....

1990s The demographic, political, and economic trends of the 1990's presented new challenges and opportunities for CPA. As the immigration surge of Asians, Latinos and other ethnicities continued to remake the city, state and nation, conservative forces launched new attacks on immigrants and communities of color. In addition, corporate-led globalization emerged as a monumental threat to the well being of poor communities and the natural environment...

2000s With the continuing transformation of the local and global economy in the 21st century, exploitation, unemployment and related social problems have surged among low-wage immigrant workers in San Francisco. Through the Workers Organizing Center (WOC), CPA has built the power of immigrant Chinese workers to achieve economic justice.