A Fistful of Dollars

In a few days I’m going to have a chance to look economic injustice right in the face: a local construction contractor who has refused to pay two of his employees for $8,000 worth of work.

This is but one instance of the widespread problem of wage theft, which occurs in a variety of ways and goes widely unnoticed. Not surprisingly, the workers who can least afford it are the ones most vulnerable to it. This is not a coincidence - it is simply one of the more egregious expressions of the power imbalance that exists between employers and employees in our society.

Of course, being a part of a union is the strongest way to protect against this and other labor violations, since labor law enforcement is sporadic and penalties are too weak to serve as a deterrent. However, with so many workers lacking the protection of a union, another avenue is needed to secure the fruits of their labors, legally owed them by contract.

Enter worker centers, which provide education, advocacy, and community support for workers at the margins of our economy. A local Chicago chapter I am becoming familiar with is the Arise Chicago worker center, run by a fantastic team of persons dedicated to seeing workers secure justice. Since 2002, for example, they have won over $3.6 million in unpaid wages, workers’ compensation, and discrimination claims.

And this week I’ll be helping them win back a few thousand dollars more by confronting this contractor at his place of business with the two construction workers and a delegation of community allies that will include local clergy members. It should be noted that the legal channels have already run their course here: this employer has already been ordered by a local court to pay up and yet still has not. This is why such community action with workers is so crucial: it fills the gap between law and justice. It empowers workers by showing them they are not isolated and instead isolates the employer in his injustice by showing him community members will not stand for it.

Hence, I’m excited to have a chance to help rally such community support by reaching out to local clergy, some of whom may be used to this kind of work and some of whom may find this a fresh change of pace from their usual ministry rhythms. I am hoping their presence tips the scales here for these two workers, who have already worked so hard to secure their wages.

Stay tuned for part 2…