Worker Justice at CDT
Decent Work graphic by Sana Flynn, UH doctoral student in LGBTQ+ psychology/counseling
Overview
Community Engagement | Actions to Take | More Information
Congregation Dorshei Tzedek has long been committed to supporting workers in precarious situations who are often deprived of dignity and respect at work, and perhaps most importantly, a livable wage. The struggles of often overlooked and isolated workers can be lifted up as we consider these Jewish values:
- Kavod Habriyot (Dignity: The belief that all people have inherent value and should be treated with dignity)
- Kavod (Respect: Regard for the rights, feelings, abilities and wishes of others)
- Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (Communal Responsibility: the need to take action and inspire others to create a community in which we can all take pride)
We learn from those working on the front lines of labor activism about current campaigns and take action that can make a difference in the lives of those struggling to gain dignity at work. Members stay actively involved with worker centers and other faith-based and community organizations that support worker justice.
We are always looking for members to join our small but committed group to support workers in our community. Reach out to Amy Mazur (amycmazur@gmail.com) or Ora Gladstone (oragladstone@gmail.com) to get involved/support worker justice initiatives.
Upcoming Events
New England Jewish Labor Committee Annual Labor Seder: Sunday, March 30 — more information coming soon!
What We Can Do Now | What Is Important to Know Now
1) Article by Robert Ross: What is to be done – NOW?
2) All Workers Are Entitled to Employment Protections Irrespective of Immigration Status: Attorney General Advisory
3) Office of the Attorney General: Information for Immigrant Workers Rights
4) Workplace Justice Lab: Rutgers School of Management & Labor Relations
a) Investigating Immigration-Related Retaliation: Best Practices for State and Local Labor Standards Enforcement Agencies
b) Defending Immigrant Worker Rights In a Time of Peril: A checklist of key Demands Organizers Can Make of local and state labor agencies
5) Take Action Now as an Employer of an Immigrant Domestic Worker
a) Sample Language to Communicate with Domestic Workers you Employ:
If you are currently employing a housecleaner, feel free to use the note below and edit as is appropriate, given the relationship you have with your employee. Feel free to share it with friends, colleagues, neighbors, co-workers, etc. who employ domestic workers.
Hello xxx -
Thank you so much for the wonderful work you and your team do when you clean our home. It always shines and feels very comfortable after the cleaners have been here.
You may remember I reached out to you about my work supporting Domestic Workers. I continue to be concerned about the threats going on for many people in our communities — Housecleaners and other domestic workers are among those targeted, and are very fearful, which I am sure you know. Below are links to resources that might be helpful should you want to share them with individuals/workers concerned about the situation.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Immigrant Rights
- Lawyers for Civil Rights: Interactions with ICE and Law Enforcement
Feel free to be in touch and thank you again.
6) Spread the word about Know Your Rights