As the gap widens between the rich and poor in Los Angeles County, unskilled and other low-income workers find themselves increasingly marginalized in jobs that fail to comply with basic wage and safety regulations. These laws—governing minimum wage, overtime and safety conditions—protect workers regardless of their immigration status. Nevertheless, abuse abounds in numerous Southern California industries where recent immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and Asia are routinely exploited. A U.S. Department of Labor survey found that 67% of garment shops in Los Angeles violate minimum wage and overtime laws. As a result, workers lose over $80 million each year in unpaid wages.

Bet Tzedek’s Employment Rights Project advocates on behalf of a variety of low-wage workers, including day laborers, domestic workers, and those working in the garment, construction, car wash, restaurant and janitorial industries. The Project represents low-wage workers, regardless of their immigration status, who have been illegally denied wages that they have earned. Client services range from brief advice, counseling and informal advocacy, to representation in hearings before the California Labor Commissioner and litigation in state and federal courts. Spanish-speaking attorneys and volunteers staff the project.