Nonprofit Homeless Shelter Provider Accused of Labor Law Violations

CAMBA Inc. allegedly threatened to permanently replace striking IT workers with offshore service provider

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:05pm

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One of New York's largest nonprofit homeless shelter service providers, CAMBA Inc., has been charged with violating federal labor law by threatening to permanently replace IT workers who have been on strike since November. The United Auto Workers Local 2325 union has filed multiple complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing CAMBA of failing to bargain in good faith, retaliating against workers, and threatening to replace the 13-person IT department with an offshore service provider.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between nonprofit service providers and their workers, especially as organizations like CAMBA face increased scrutiny over executive compensation and financial management. The allegations of labor law violations and threats to replace striking workers raise concerns about the rights and working conditions of essential social service employees.

The details

According to the union, in January, several weeks into the strike, CAMBA management allegedly threatened to permanently replace the 13-person IT department with an offshore service provider. The union also accused CAMBA of excluding IT workers from annual labor peace agreements that human services providers are required to submit to the city, in violation of a 2021 law.

  • The IT workers joined UAW Local 2325 in September 2024 and have been on strike since November.
  • In January 2026, several weeks into the strike, CAMBA management allegedly threatened to permanently replace the IT department.

The players

CAMBA Inc.

One of New York's largest nonprofit homeless shelter service providers, employing approximately 2,900 people.

UAW Local 2325

The union representing the 13 CAMBA IT workers who went on strike.

Rafael Faura

A CAMBA IT worker for more than 27 years and a member of the union's bargaining committee.

Lisa Ohta

The president of UAW Local 2325.

Alison M. Zaccone

The spokesperson for CAMBA.

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What they’re saying

“They are afraid of the whole company being unionized. And they're violating our rights, when they should be bargaining with us.”

— Rafael Faura, CAMBA IT worker and union bargaining committee member

“CAMBA must come to a fair resolution to this dispute in line with the industry standard before the city and federal government are forced to step in and settle this dispute for them.”

— Lisa Ohta, President, UAW Local 2325

“The charges filed at the NLRB and the comptroller's office are baseless.”

— Alison M. Zaccone, Spokesperson, CAMBA

What’s next

The National Labor Relations Board will determine whether to pursue an injunction against CAMBA to address the alleged labor law violations.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by nonprofit service providers and their workers, as organizations like CAMBA balance the need to provide essential services with concerns over worker rights, executive compensation, and financial management.