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Workers’ rights

Despite many policy wins led by worker organizers and unions, exploitation of workers with low wages is rampant. But, local governments have the power to enforce pro-worker laws already on the books and collaborate with their communities to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to key resources.
collage with a young blue collar man in work clothes holding a stack of boxes. sign behind him reads 'worker rights are human rights'

When workers are treated with dignity, paid a livable wage, and work in safe conditions, communities thrive and the economy strengthens for everyone. Yet, many workers in the U.S. face an uphill battle in a system that places profits over people.

Workers with low wages lose more than $50 billion annually to wage theft — more than any other kind of theft combined. Most workers are not trained — nor do they have the resources and advocates needed — to identify wage theft and navigate complicated systems in order to get their stolen wages.

With local governments and movement leaders, Public Rights Project files cases that advance economic security, safety, and dignity for working people across industries nationwide.

Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
young woman working in a coffee shop with a mask on

How we work

Public Rights Project works with local election officials to protect pro-voter election regulations and strengthen voting rights.

Legal representation: We provide ongoing litigation support and answers to legal questions in real time.

Training and technical assistance: We share solutions to protect local elections officials and constituents from state overreach and bogus litigation.

Convenings: We bring local election officials together to foster collaboration, address civil rights challenges, and develop actionable solutions.

Amicus briefs: We uplift the expertise of local elections officials in court filings.

 

Our impact

Since our founding in 2017, we’ve helped to advance workers’ rights and recovered millions of dollars for workers. We partner with local governments to enforce the worker protection laws already on the books.
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dollars recovered for marginalized people since 2017
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dollars recovered for California gig workers in 2023
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people protected from corporate abuse

Join the fight for workers’ rights

We’re ready to provide legal support and training to local government officials who are working to protect and advance workers' rights.

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