News & Events
Contact us if you’d like to contribute to our blog.
Worker Testimony Video: WHEDA
Watch video On March 25, 10 construction workers who worked on the Yellowstone Apartments, at 426 South Yellowstone Drive in Madison, came to Worker Justice Wisconsin alleging that their employer owed them nearly $15,000 in unpaid wages. Shortly after, an additional 6 workers from the same site, which received $1,400,000
New WORT FM Series: Episode 3—”Print, Protest, Prevail: Crushing Wage Theft in Madison”
Don’t miss our latest episode with WORT FM—Print, Protest, Prevail: Crushing Wage Theft in Madison. Wage theft is one of the most common but least punished forms of labor abuse in the United States. Across the country, low-wage workers—especially immigrants—face stolen wages, unsafe conditions, and retaliation for speaking up. Listen
Reintroducing the Economic Bill of Rights to Protect Workers
Last week, WJW Construction Organizer, David Ortiz Whittingham spoke at the Wisconsin State Capitol to help reintroduce the Economic Bill of Rights. David joined legislators and social justice organizations in calling for stronger protections for workers. The resolution includes ensuring a living wage, funding public education, and protecting the environment.
Introducing WJW’s Construction Organizer: David
Another key figure targeting wage theft as part of his work is David Ortiz Whittingham, who recently joined Worker Justice Wisconsin as the Construction Organizer. David grew up in the Madison area before attending Tufts University, where he became involved in labor organizing. As a member of a student organization supporting the
Cap Times: Wage Theft Costs Workers Millions. This Madison Organizer Wants It To Stop.
By Natalie Yahr Feb 13, 2025 Wage theft costs American workers as much as $50 billion a year, according to a 2014 estimate by the Economic Policy Institute, a pro-labor think tank. The practice can include not paying overtime, requiring employees to work after they clock out, or even threatening to
Protecting Against ICE: Trainings and Flyers
WJW Program Director Robert Christl and SCFL Organizer Issy Bilek are leading the Immigration and Labor Working Group to ensure unions are prepared to confront the anti-immigration rhetoric and policies of the current administration. If you’d like to learn more about the Labor Working Group, you can reach out to
WJW Featured on En Nuestro Patio on WORT FM
El 7 de enero, nuestro Director de programas Robert Christl participó en el programa de radio En Nuestro Patio de WORT FM. La discusión se centró en cómo los trabajadores inmigrantes pueden seguir organizando sus lugares de trabajo bajo la nueva administración presidencial. Escuchen el programa para aprender algunos datos
Meet Socorro Cortez: Leading the Wage Theft Campaign
My name is Socorro Cortez, and I lead the wage theft campaign at Worker Justice Wisconsin. From a young age, I witnessed how the labor movement defined the lives of my family. I grew up in a home deeply committed to unionism, where in the 1970’s my father and aunt were staff
About Our Wage Theft Campaign
Worker Justice Wisconsin is organizing workers across the community to fight wage theft. In the United States, wage theft costs workers, their families and communities, billions–yes, billions–of dollars every year. Wage theft occurs when an employer doesn’t pay their employee all of the money they’re owed for the work performed.
Cap Times: Madison-Area Screen Printing Boss Owes More Than $8K in Unpaid Wages
By Natalie Yahr Dec 12, 2024 The owner of a Dane County screen printing company must pay more than $8,000 in back wages to former employees, according to a court settlement negotiated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The deal, approved Dec. 10 by the state Legislature’s budget committee, settles
Faith Labor Breakfast 2024: Rep. Francesca Hong
Rep. Francesca Hong inspired attendees at the Annual Faith Labor Breakfast 2024, highlighting the importance of solidarity, inclusivity, and community power in the growing labor movement. “Choosing hope in these times is most courageous,” she said, urging everyone to continue their fight for justice and representation.
Faith Labor Breakfast 2024: Marlon Velásquez
We’re reminiscing on Marlon Velásquez’s powerful journey from Nicaragua to Wisconsin, and how he fought for justice and fair wages with the support of Worker Justice Wisconsin. His story is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community and a reminder that every worker deserves their rights, regardless