Workers Defense Project protest video

The Workers Defense Project, also known as Proyecto Defensa Laboral, brought 120 workers and supporters into the streets at two different sites demanding wages and safe working conditions.Three of my co-workers were killed, and the rest of us are still owed our money. When is it enough? said Gumercindo Rodriquez, who performed plaster work at 21 Rio and Gables Park Plaza. Gumercindo, along with two dozen other workers are owed over $120,000 in wages by a Dallas-based contractor, GMI (Greater Metroplex Interiors).

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZN8_zBdYfw&feature=youtube_gdata

 

Walmart Workers Struggle More Than Most

Since Mayor Daley vetoed a big box living wage ordinance in 2006, Walmart and its supporters in Chicago have consistently argued that the mega-retailer offers local employees competitive wages and benefits. With a Walmart-anchored development project in the city's 9th Ward now gaining some traction in City Hall, proponents are increasing the volume.

In a new round of TV advertising currently airing in the Chicagoland market, Walmart touts its health care programs, retirement benefits, and the purported upward mobility of its workers.  But critics object to this image, countering that it's difficult for many full-time Walmart employees to cover basic living expenses. A new examination of local wage garnishment data -- conducted for Progress Illinois -- appears to back that up.

http://www.progressillinois.com/posts/content/2010/04/29/wal-mart-workers-struggle-more-most

 

Payday Pushback by Cienna Madrid - News - The Stranger, Seattle's ...

Payday Pushback by Cienna Madrid - News - The Stranger, Seattle's ...
By editor@thestranger.com (Cienna Madrid)
"Wage theft is not a criminal offense in Washington," says Arielle Rosenberg, spokeswoman for the Worker Defense Committee. "Which means you can be prosecuted for stealing someone's candy bar, but not for stealing their paycheck." ...

Wage Theft Bill Nears Passage | Progress Illinois

Wage Theft Bill Nears Passage | Progress Illinois
By Adam Doster
The Illinois House passed a measure (SB 3568) yesterday that will strengthen the state's ability to fight wage theft. Specifically, the bill grants the Illinois Department of Labor authority to investigate and issue an enforceable ...
Progress Illinois - http://progressillinois.com/explore

Probing warehouse work

Probing warehouse work
Joliet Herald News
WWJ claims workers are suffering from wage theft, temp agency abuses and uncompensated injuries. The complaints have to be investigated, said state Sen. ...

Labor Notes Conference 2010: Troublemakers Join Restaurant Worker Pickets

Labor Notes (blog)

Labor Notes Conference 2010: Troublemakers Join Restaurant Worker Pickets
Labor Notes (blog)
... by Restaurant Opportunities Center of Michigan over Andiamo's wage theft violations, racial and sexual discrimination, and retaliatory firings. ...

Wage Theft Crime Spree: What Will Stop It?

Wage Theft Crime Spree: What Will Stop It?
Gapers Block (blog)
Hernendez was a victim of wage theft. You work assuming you'll be paid, but too often, workers are simply denied what they're owed. ...

Raceway To Pay $4 Million In Back Wages

Raceway To Pay $4 Million In Back Wages

Illinois House Passes Wage Theft Bill

The Illinois House of Representatives has passed a measure aimed at strengthening the state's ability to fight wage theft ... www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=41650

 

1,500 Push for Wage Theft Ordinance at PEACE Nehemiah Action 2010

 

1,500 Push for Wage Theft Ordinance at PEACE Nehemiah Action 2010 - YourPBC.org

FRIDAY: Panel on the Campaign to End Wage Theft

 

The Worker Center Movement & the Struggle to End Wage Theft

A Panel Discussion

 

Friday April 30 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

DePaul University -- Lincoln Park Campus

2322 N. Kenmore -- Levan Center, 4th floor

(pick up schedule at registration desk to find out room #)

 

Adam Kader

Director

Arise Chicago Worker Center

 

Dianne Enriquez

Worker Center Network Coordinator

Interfaith Worker Justice

 

Ted Smukler

Public Policy Director

Interfaith Worker Justice

 

 

This workshop is a session of the International Conference

A Century+ of May Days: Labor and Social Struggles

taking place Friday April 30 - Sunday May 2.

facebook event page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115557225132754

 

 

background:

 

The Crisis of Wage Theft

 

Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers

 

Wage Theft Crime Spree: What Will Stop It?

 

Worker Centers: Organizing Communities at the Edge of the Dream

 

In Chicago — And Around U.S. — Workers Continue Wage Theft Fight

 

Immigrants Vulnerable as Recession Spurs More Bosses to Shortchange Workers

 

IWJ & Arise Chicago on Chicago Public Radio

City RoomTM Public Affairs coverage from our award-winning staff News In Brief Illinois House Passes Wage Theft Bill The Illinois House of Representatives has passed a measure aimed at strengthening the state's ability to fight wage theft. A recent University of Illinois-Chicago study brought new attention to the prevalence of companies short-changing workers.   Ted Smukler is the policy director for Interfaith Worker Justice. He says organizations like his have been more successful at recovering lost wages than the state. SMUKLER: You know these scrappy little organizations can do things government offices can't. They can take a group of workers to directly confront the boss or talk to the boss's customers. They can get them in touch with private attorneys. Government process on this is slow and redundant. And Smukler says that's why this bill is important. Adam Kader of Arise Chicago says the law would streamline the state's process of helping workers receive money they deserve. The state Senate needs to approve a House amendment before the bill could go to the governor.   http://chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=41650