Our Mission

The Workers' Dignity Project (WDP) empowers low-wage workers to act collectively for economic justice by promoting education, leadership development, community outreach, and collaboration with strategic allies.

WAGE THEFT?

According to a 2008 study by the National Employment Law Project, 26% of low-wage workers were paid less than minimum wage in the last week; 76% of those who worked more than 40 hours per week were not paid the legally required overtime pay. 12% of tipped workers experienced theft of tips by their employer or supervisor, and such practices are part of a national epidemic of workplace abuse. Workers in Middle Tennessee who have recovered their wages through WDP report similar issues. Many construction and commercial cleaning employees are misclassified as sub-contractors, permitting the employer to deny overtime, workers compensation, and other entitlements. The majority report never receiving their final paycheck or any pay at all. In one-third of wage theft complaints with WDP, employers threatened to call ICE or the police. This intimidation, combined with local and state laws targeting immigrants, has fostered a climate of fear and marginalization among low-wage Latinos.

Some Accomplishments

30 workers have won $21,600 in unpaid wages.

180 Latino workers trained in labor rights.

1000s of Latino workers learn about labor rights through radio and newspaper features.

Latino workers affected by wage theft are the backbone of our organization, donating more than $800 to help us grow.

Current Activities

Monthly Labor Rights Workshops

Workshops include two central components – an intake clinic and labor rights meeting. Workers facing wage theft fill out a detailed complaint form in order to begin the wage recovery process (they return at a later date to write a demand letter and decide how they want to pursue their complaint). All affected workers participate in a one-hour labor rights workshop where they learn about federal labor laws and effective strategies for protecting themselves. The workshop utilizes a worker-centered popular education model that focuses on participants' prior experience to promote self-confidence, community, and leadership development.

Wage Recovery Mini-Campaigns

Workshops are an entry point to wage recovery campaigns. So far, 30 workers have recovered $25,000 in unpaid wages through organizing and direct action. Affected workers are actively part in each step of the wage recovery process. Religious, Labor and other allies support workers by applying public pressure on recalcitrant employers through phone calls, support letters, and vigils at worksites.

Broad Based Campaign

Mini-campaigns have provided the groundwork for broad-based long-term campaigns on specific industries. WDP is in the process of developing its first campaign as detailed later in this proposal.

Leadership Development

Leadership Development is central to all aspects of WDP. Workers are supported to lead in every aspect of the organization, as staff, Leadership Team Members and designers and leaders in clinics, workshops and campaigns. 8 members of the Leadership Team just attend the Interfaith Worker Justice Conference in Chicago and WDP is planning two 10-week organizing institutes for its members over the next 18 months.