Wage Theft Campaign
At Worker Justice Wisconsin, we help workers fight against wage theft and other workplace injustices. We know many workers, especially immigrants, face challenges when it comes to getting fair pay. But everyone has the right to be paid for their work! We teach you how to identify wage theft and support you every step of the way to recover what you are owed. It’s time to demand justice and raise your voice for dignified working conditions!
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...
In the United States, wage theft is the most common form of theft, and Hispanic workers are often the victims of this practice by employers. Agustín, Enzo, and Makalister were...
We’re proud to share the first in a series of interviews produced in collaboration with WORT FM, featuring workers who are fighting to recover unpaid wages. This is part of...
It’s a crime for workers to steal. It should be a crime for employers, too.
Wage Theft Campaign
This program is primarily for low-wage, immigrant, and non-union workers who experience wage theft and their allies who want to support them in the struggle to criminalize this practice.
Low-wage workers
Wage theft can happen in any industry, but it’s especially rampant in sectors that pay low wages.
Immigrant workers
Any worker can be a victim of wage theft, but the practice is especially prevalent among employers who have largely immigrant workforces.
Non-union workers
If you have a union, that’s fantastic! Take your wage theft case to your union steward or business representative. They have the resources to support you in getting your money.
Why get involved?
Our wage theft campaign is open to all workers, especially those who have firsthand experience of not being paid all of the money owed to them by their employer. If you want to get your money, and if you believe it should be a crime for employers to steal from their workers, then this movement is for you.
If you are owed back wages
Wage theft is illegal. If your employer owes you more than one month’s back wages, we can help you organize to get your money.
If you want to educate and organize the community
Wage theft is the most common form of theft in the United States, but many workers don’t know that. Join our efforts to educate the community on how to spot it and fight back.
If you want stronger laws that protect workers’ money
It’s no secret that the legal system heavily favors employers. The only way to change that is to organize working-class communities to fight for pro-worker policies. Join us and we can put a stop to wage theft in Wisconsin!
Other ways of getting involved.
Join the Rapid Response Network
By joining the Rapid Response Network, you will receive alerts from WJW about direct actions such as protesting wage theft. The aim is to apply community pressure to employers who have violated their workers’ rights and to show solidarity with workers.
Register for a Group Grievance Session
If you believe that your employer has violated your rights as an employee, register for our biweekly Group Grievance Session. This is an opportunity to be in community with other workers and share your experiences, as well as learn about U.S. and Wisconsin employment law. If we suspect that there has been a violation, we will help you file a complaint with the relevant state agency.
Become a volunteer
If you’re looking to support the work that we do, reach out to us! Volunteers can help with the Group Grievance Session, door knocking for our wage theft campaign, and help give trainings throughout the community.
