Privacy Policy

Last Updated: August 10, 2026

Your Privacy Matters to Us

At Buildup Cooperative dba U.S. Workers Alliance, we understand that privacy is critical for workers who are exercising their rights. We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about how we collect, use, and safeguard your data.

This Privacy Policy explains our practices and your choices regarding your personal information across all U.S. Workers Alliance websites and platforms.

Non-Membership Organization
Information We Collect
How We Use Your Information
Information Sharing and Disclosure
SMS / Text Messaging (mobile opt-in)
Data Security
Your Privacy Rights
Third-Party Services
Cookies and Tracking
Children’s Privacy
International Users
Changes to This Policy
Contact Us

1. Non-Membership Organization

1.1 Important Distinction

Buildup Cooperative (dba U.S. Workers Alliance) is NOT a membership organization. Our platforms are open to all workers who support our mission. Using our platforms does not make you a member or affiliate of the organization.

1.2 Advocacy vs. Representation

While any individual may advocate for our mission and support our cause, no individual may represent themselves as part of, acting on behalf of, or authorized to represent U.S. Workers Alliance unless specifically designated in writing by Buildup Cooperative.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Information:

Name, email address, username, password
Optional: Phone number, location, occupation, industry
Optional: Worker status (current/former, union/non-union)

Profile Information:

Bio, profile picture (if you choose to provide one)
Interests, areas of concern, workplace issues
Voluntary self-identification (age, gender, race/ethnicity)

Content and Communications:

Posts, comments, messages, and other content you create
Communications with us (support requests, feedback, inquiries)
Petition signatures, survey responses, and form submissions

Anonymization Option:

For certain activities (e.g., registering workplace actions), you may choose to remain anonymous
Anonymous registration means your identity is not visible to other users or the public
However, we may still collect your information for operational purposes

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

Device and Usage Information:

IP address, browser type, operating system
Device identifiers, mobile network information
Pages viewed, time spent on the Platform, click patterns
Referring/exit pages, geographic location (based on IP address)

Log Data:

Server access logs, error logs
Time stamps, request details
Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Social Media: If you connect your social media accounts, we may receive information you make publicly available on those platforms.

Service Providers: We may receive information from third-party service providers that help us operate our platforms (e.g., payment processors, analytics providers).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Platform Operation and Improvement

Provide, maintain, and improve our platforms
Process account registrations and manage user accounts
Verify user identity where necessary
Facilitate communications between users
Prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents

3.2 Communication and Support

Send you transactional communications (account confirmations, security alerts)
Respond to your inquiries, requests, and support needs
Send newsletters, updates, and educational content (with your consent)
Notify you of relevant events, campaigns, or actions

3.3 Community and Organizing

Connect you with other workers in your area or industry
Facilitate discussions about worker rights and workplace issues
Organize and coordinate collective actions and campaigns
Track petition signatures and campaign participation

3.4 Analytics and Research

Analyze usage patterns to improve our platforms
Conduct research on worker issues and trends
Measure the effectiveness of our campaigns and initiatives
Generate aggregated, anonymized statistics

3.5 Legal and Safety

Comply with legal obligations and lawful requests
Protect the rights, property, and safety of our users and organization
Investigate and prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activities
Enforce our Terms of Service

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 General Rule: We Don’t Sell Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

SMS / Text Messaging

If you opt in to SMS from BuildUp Cooperative (for example via https://www.buildupcooperative.com/sms-opt-in/ or by texting an approved keyword), we collect your mobile phone number and a record of your consent so we can send you the program messages you requested. Message types may include organizing updates, event and deadline reminders, District registration / People Primaries notices, and educational texts.

Message frequency varies; typically a few messages per month, with more around major events or deadlines. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. Full program terms: SMS Terms.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All other categories of data sharing described in this Privacy Policy exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

We do not sell your personal information. We may use service providers (such as Twilio and mobile carriers) solely to deliver messages and operate the messaging service. Those providers are not authorized to use your mobile number or opt-in data for their own marketing.

4.2 When We May Share Information

With Your Consent:

When you explicitly consent to sharing specific information
When you publicly post content on our platforms (visible to other users)
When you choose to connect with other users or join groups

Service Providers:

With trusted third parties who perform services on our behalf (e.g., website hosting, data storage, analytics, email services, SMS delivery providers such as Twilio). These providers may process data only to operate our services; they are not authorized to use mobile numbers or SMS opt-in consent for their own marketing
These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify

Business Transfers:

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner

Legal Requirements:

When required by law, court order, or government request
To establish, exercise, or defend our legal rights
To protect against fraud, abuse, or illegal activities
To protect the safety of our users or the public

Aggregate or Anonymized Data:

We may share aggregated, anonymized data that does not personally identify you
Examples: statistics on user demographics, platform usage, campaign participation

4.3 Worker Protection: Our Commitment

We understand that workers engaging in collective action may face employer retaliation. We are committed to protecting your privacy in these situations:

Anonymity Features:

When you choose anonymous registration for certain activities, your identity is not visible to other users
Public-facing reports and statistics will be aggregated and anonymized
Petition signers’ names will not be made public without explicit consent

No Voluntary Disclosure to Employers:

We will not voluntarily disclose your identity or activity on our platforms to your employer
We will not provide user lists, contact information, or activity logs to employers
The only exception is when required by law or court order

User Control:

You can choose what information to share publicly on your profile
You can opt out of certain data collection and sharing practices
You can delete your account and associated data

Transparency:

If we receive a legal request for your information, we will notify you in advance unless prohibited by law
We will challenge overly broad or vague requests when appropriate
We will provide only the minimum information required by law

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

Technical Safeguards:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure authentication and access controls
Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Secure data storage and hosting infrastructure

Organizational Safeguards:

Limited access to personal information (only authorized personnel)
Employee training on data protection and privacy
Data retention policies that limit how long we keep information
Third-party security assessments for service providers

Important Limitations:

No System is 100% Secure: While we work hard to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure
Anonymous Registration vs. Complete Anonymity: When you choose anonymous registration, your identity is not visible to other users, but we still collect information for operational purposes
Employer Surveillance: We cannot prevent your employer from monitoring your Internet usage, especially on work devices

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 General Rights (All Users)

Access and Review: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
Correction and Deletion: Request correction or deletion of your personal information
Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications and certain data collection practices
Account Deletion: Delete your account at any time from your account settings

6.2 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

As a resident of California, you have additional rights:

Right to Know: Details about the categories of personal information we collect and how we use it
Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
Right to Opt Out of Sale: We don’t sell your information, but you can opt out of certain sharing practices
Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

6.3 European Union Residents (GDPR)

As a resident of the European Union, you have additional rights:

Right to Access: Request confirmation and access to your personal information
Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
Right to Restrict Processing: Request restriction of how we process your information
Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your information
Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

6.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:

Email: privacy@usworkersalliance.com

We will respond within a reasonable time, generally within 30 days.

7. Third-Party Services

Our platforms may integrate with third-party services, including:

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (for sharing content, social login)
Analytics: Google Analytics and similar tools
Email Services: Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp)
Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal
Cloud Services: AWS, Google Cloud, or similar hosting providers

We select third-party services carefully and require them to protect your information. However, we encourage you to review their privacy policies.

8. Cookies and Tracking

8.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help us provide a better user experience.

8.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (login, security)
Performance Cookies: Collect information about usage (analytics, monitoring)
Functionality Cookies: Remember preferences (language, display settings)
Targeting/Advertising Cookies: Deliver relevant content (with your consent)

8.3 Your Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Please note that certain features may not function properly if you disable cookies.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our platforms are not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we discover that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. International Users

Our platforms are primarily intended for users in the United States. If you access from outside the United States:

Your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States
Data protection laws in the United States may differ from those in your country
By using our platforms, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will:

Post the updated policy on our platforms
Send email notification to registered users for material changes
Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of the policy

Your continued use of our platforms after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

U.S. Workers Alliance Privacy Team
Email: randell@usworkersalliance.com
Website: www.usworkersalliance.com

For data protection inquiries (CCPA, GDPR, etc.):
Data Protection Officer: dpo@usworkersalliance.com

A Note to Workers

We understand that privacy is not just a technical issue—it’s a matter of safety and livelihood. When workers exercise their rights, they may face employer retaliation, workplace harassment, or other adverse consequences.

Our Commitment:

We will protect your information to the best of our ability
We will be transparent about what we collect and why
We will not voluntarily disclose your information to employers
We will challenge overbroad legal requests when possible
We will give you control over your information

But We Cannot Promise Absolute Safety:

No system is 100% secure
Employers may monitor Internet usage, especially on work devices
Legal requests may compel us to disclose information
Complete anonymity is not possible on the Internet

We Stand With You.