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Staff Report -- TheStatehouseFile.com
A group dedicated to assisting low-wage workers opened the Indianapolis Worker Justice Center this week.
The center is the first one located in Central Indiana, although there are more than 200 similar centers nationwide.
“Low wage workers without representation need advocates, education and support,” says Nancy Holle, president of the Community Faith and Labor Coalition, which is sponsoring the center. “Wages are too low and workers can be fired without cause. Some employers illegally refuse to pay workers all their earned wages, or refuse to pay legally set minimum wages or local prevailing wages.”
The center is located at 1734 West Washington St. It’s meant to help low-wage workers “pursue better wages, benefits and workplace dignity,” according to the center.
The center will seek to empower workers to tackle issues including wage theft, underemployment, unemployment, and immigration.
“Workers centers are on the front lines assisting workers, challenging wage theft and creating a level playing field for ethical employers,” says Kim Bobo, executive director of Interfaith Worker Justice. “Workers centers unite workers, labor leaders, faith leaders and lawyers in raising community standards.”
The center is accepting telephone calls from workers at a hotline that includes messages in both English and Spanish: 317-408-8637. The center will kick off its programming for workers with a Know Your Rights presentation at 10 a.m. Nov. 23.
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