by DC Jobs with Justice | Jan 23, 2017 | Projects
As we prepare for a new federal government that threatens our communities in countless ways, we are reminded that the fight for justice always begins at home. We are strengthening and deepening our 16 year legacy of standing for worker’s rights, immigrant justice, and a strong progressive Washington, DC that supports all residents. We are asking you to make a commitment to that work by joining what we’re calling the “Solidarity Squad.” Members will commit to: Taking concrete action with workers and communities facing attacks. Attending a training on immigrant and worker rights, then participating in “Know Your Rights” outreach to share these rights with impacted communities and allies. Attending demonstrations to stand with workers whose rights have been violated or who are already leading in fights for workplace justice. Join the Solidarity Squad today! Look out for more info about our first meeting on February...
by DC Jobs with Justice | Aug 6, 2014 | Actions & Events, Press
After Tito’s workers stood up against wage theft, massive amounts of unpaid overtime, and exploitation based on immigration status, their employer responded with illegal firings and by threatening to call ICE. Finally, after a year of organizing with International Union of Painters and Allied Trades they had their first hearing at the NLRB on those complaints on August 4, 2014. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Vice President of AFL-CIO Tefere Gebre and others joined the workers for a speakout today in front of the NLRB. DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton stated, “You have courage. Don’t lose it; you are going to win!” Tefere Gebre, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President said that “For every one of you there are tens of thousands of workers who are afraid to stand up. Keep on fighting, keep on working!” Thanks to DC Employment Justice Center, Washington DC Building and Construction Trades Council @National Guestworker Alliance Congress of Day Laborers/Congreso de Jornaleros, the delegation of New Orleans construction workers, and all our allies who joined us in solidarity with these workers! Everyone deserves just treatment, regardless of their...
by DC Jobs with Justice | Apr 25, 2014 | Projects
On Thursday, DC Jobs with Justice joined UNITE HERE! Local 23 and other coalition members for a lunch time picket in support of cafeteria workers. These cafeteria workers, employed by Seasons Culinary at the National Education Association building, are currently facing a wage freeze over the next three years. Food service workers in DC have fought to win a standard that includes fair raises AND health insurance. We’re not going to let these cafeteria workers be left behind! The company, Seasons Culinary, is not meeting the standard for food service workers in this city. Here are some examples of how their proposal compares with what DC workers have at a similar cafeteria: Seasons Culinary Proposal: No raise for the next 3 years Employees would pay $187.25 per month for single health insurance DC UNITE HERE Local 23 Contract at Holocaust Museum Cafeteria: Raises of 25 cents twice a year Employees pay $53.50 a month for single health insurance on the same plan as is being proposed at...
by DC Jobs with Justice | Apr 8, 2014 | Projects
“Ni Una Más Deportación! Ni Una Más Deportación!” “Not One More! Not One More!” These were the chants echoing in the streets on Saturday, as several hundred people marched down 16th Street NW to the White House. As the number of individuals deported since Obama took office in 2008 nears 2 million, thousands of Americans across the country gathered on April 5th to demand #Not1More. DC Jobs with Justice joined the local action, organized by the day labor organization Trabajadores Unidos de DC – United Workers of DC. The national day of protests was coordinated by NDLON, the National Day Labor Organizing Network, which says that the president must act to fix the immigration system with whatever power he has, since comprehensive reform remains stalled in Congress. Grassroots organizations in over 70 cities took up the call to organize rallies in the communities with the clear message to the president that the time to act is now. In DC, Trabajadores Unidos worked hard to outreach to local organizations, unions, activists, musicians, and both the immigrant and non-immigrant communities. Around 11AM on April 5th, people began to gather in Lamont Park in Mount Pleasant, a neighborhood that has historically been home to many Central American immigrants. The crowd was rallied by traditional Mexican folk music played by a local band, as well as speeches from clergy and community members before setting off on a march to the White House. The parade of marchers was accompanied by colorful flags and signs, drummers, and people in costume. As the march snaked its way down 16th Street with many supportive cheers and honks from onlookers, the...
by dcjwjeditor | Mar 7, 2013 | Actions & Events, Immigrant Rights, Projects, Trabajadores Unidos de DC / United Workers of DC, Wage Theft
Chants of “la lucha – sí, la lucha – sí” (the struggle -yes, the struggle – yes) echoed off the DC Council chamber walls as more than 50 workers and community activists packed the Wilson Building on Monday, March 4th to demand more protections for workers against wage theft. DC Jobs with Justice, United Workers of DC, and the DC Wage Theft Coalition accompanied workers as they presented Councilmember Marion Barry with a giant paper bill for outstanding unpaid wages. The bill totaled more than $260,000, yet only represented the wage theft claims of about 40 workers, a small number of the many more victimized by wage theft in Washington, DC. Pledging to seek justice for the workers, Councilmember Barry quoted Frederick Douglass: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will.” With that, the group filed into the performance oversight hearing for the Department of Employee Services. Witness after witness testified about the inability of the Office of Wage-Hour to protect workers who struggle to recover their rightfully owed wages. United Workers of DC President Carlos Castillo explained, “Without significant changes, going to the Office of Wage-Hour to file claims often becomes a waste of time, of money, and of opportunity to find a good option for daily work for a day laborer.” Moved by this and the many other testimonies from workers and advocates, Councilmember Barry vowed to investigate the workers’ claims, to explore new resources, systems, and funding for the Office of Wage-Hour, and to consider proposing legislation to protect workers against wage theft. Coming off a tremendous victory at popular Georgetown restaurants,...
