Build Worker Power
Every parent or caregiver in Wisconsin deserves to have a secure foundation to raise their family. But for too long, the wealthy and powerful few have eroded our workplace protections in order to grow their profits. They’ve also fueled false narratives, hoping we’ll blame our neighbors instead of them for the problems they created. As a result, thousands of families in communities across the state are exploited by employers and excluded by decision makers. We envision a Wisconsin where every family has the freedom to thrive and receive a fair return on their work, no exceptions.
How can decisionmakers build worker power?
- Raise the minimum wage to a living wage of $20 per hour and index it to inflation.
- Strengthen wage theft laws & misclassification of workers.
- Ensure the right to organize & collectively bargain.
- Expand driver licenses for all.
Reclaim. Rebuild. Reimagine.
Join us to unrig the rules that benefit the wealthy few. View our full policy agenda.
Fighting for Every Worker
Black, Brown, Indigenous, and rural communities are facing huge economic challenges: low wages, wage theft, and exploitative labor practices.
Despite legislative power often aligning with corporate interests, Wisconsin’s workers are actively fighting to improve job conditions—and they are winning!
In partnership with Worker Justice Wisconsin, Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers Union, and the High Road Strategy Center, we’re building worker power across Wisconsin by:
- Upholding the belief that every worker deserves dignity and respect for their labor.
- Committing to a statewide partnership to improve local and state policies for workers.
- Developing an anti-racist, anti-austerity agenda that prioritizes workers’ needs.
- Partnering with workers, researchers, and grassroots organizations to host educational events and create data resources.
The Diversity of Immigrants and Refugees in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been shaped by successive waves of newcomers seeking refuge, opportunity, and a place to call home for centuries. Today, about 295,000 immigrants call Wisconsin home, and they participate in the tapestry of our state in many ways.
Yet while the wealthy few rig the system to line their pocketbooks, stripping workplace protections and keeping wages low, Wisconsinites are left looking for someone to blame for their struggles. They often falsely blame immigrants. Rooted in racism and xenophobia, many Wisconsin legislators make life harder for immigrant families, creating barriers that hurt both immigrants and non-immigrants alike. We provide analysis that highlights the immigrant experience in Wisconsin, and how hurting immigrants often ends up hurting other families across the state.
I arrived to this country from La Paz, Bolivia about 37 years ago. And like many of the new immigrants, you know, uncertain of my future, not speaking English, facing a lot of challenges…. At that time I didn’t experience seeing any Latinos for example here in Dane county. So the adjustment was really tough.
Related Content
Virtual Event, 9/4: Workers Speak
The State of Working Wisconsin & Policy Priorities Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 12pm CT Black, Brown, Indigenous, and rural communities face significant economic challenges like low wages, wage theft, and exploitative labor practices. Despite legislative...
Separating Families Because of Immigration Status?
There has been increasing media attention paid to the separation of families due to immigration status. A recent ABC news special discusses the experience of one undocumented mother in Arizona who was accused of a misdemeanor charge, arrested and placed in a detention...
Immigration Services Proposes to Make Some Sense out of Complex Rules to Keep Families Together
This month, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a possible rule change for undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens who are eligible for legal permanent resident (LPR) status. Under current regulations, those seeking LPR status...
Implications of AZ Immigration Law for the Rest of Us
The new immigration law in Arizona is being watched closely by both civil rights advocates and politicians. And although it is currently the only state with this draconian law on the books, at least 22 other states have introduced similar legislation. This month,...
Join our mailing list below to receive powerful analysis and engagement opportunities straight to your inbox.
Share your Story
What would building worker power in your community look like?
Sign up for Emails
Your address helps us identify your legislators and the most relevant messages to send you.