| Dear Friends,
Thank you for subscribing to Bet Tzedek Now, our monthly roundup of news covering the latest Bet Tzedek and community happenings. We're so excited to share our May issue with you, with a focus on the essential workers we strive to protect and uplift.
The month kicked off with May Day or International Workers' Day (IWD), commemorating the struggles and triumphs of workers from all around the world, and the international labor movements trying to empower their working class members. These movements continue to fight for workers' rights, just as we do at Bet Tzedek.
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Recovering Millions in Stolen Wages for Workers
Through our Economic Justice program, Bet Tzedek provides workers with direct representation in individual and class action cases, helps thousands of workers know their rights, creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and small business development in marginalized and underserved communities, and aids low-income households facing tax controversies. And with some Los Angeles employers stealing $26 million in wages from low-wage workers every week — making the city the wage theft capital of the nation — the workers at Bet Tzedek are fighting to ensure that workers receive the fair wages they are owed.
In 2021, for example, we helped recover $8.5 million in stolen wages and citations for caregivers in senior centers. And just last week, CLEAN Carwash Worker Center and Bet Tzedek were pleased to announce that the California Labor Commissioner's Office has fined Torrance Car Wash more than $800,000 for labor code violations of its employees.
We hope to see more victories like these! Workers' rights are at the heart of our and our partner organizations' efforts, and we wish workers everywhere an empowered belated May Day/IWD!
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Seeking Pro Bono Attorney before May 12th Filing
Bet Tzedek is currently seeking pro bono support in two transgender employment rights cases.
Bathroom discrimination continues to plague transgender workers. Bet Tzedek currently represents two individuals who faced discrimination on the basis of their gender identity. The facts of each case are compelling and sensitive. Details will be provided following successful clearance of conflicts.
Special notes: One case must be filed by the pro bono attorney prior to May 12. The other case likely will be handled on a co-counseling basis. If you are interested in learning more about either of these cases or the other matters for which we are recruiting, please reach out to Cristin Zeisler, Interim Director of Pro Bono Programs, at czeisler@bettzedek.org.
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Photo courtesy of The Guardian
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Protecting 45,000 California Garment Workers from Unfair Pay Practices
Through the county's only full-fledged Employment Rights Project, Bet Tzedek has long advocated for the passing of the Garment Worker Protection Act (SB-62). Fortunately, SB-62 passed on September 27, 2021, when Governor Gavin Newsom signed the act into law effective January 2022. This is a huge victory for garment workers across California, strengthening wage protections by notably eliminating the piecemeal pay structure and ensuring that retailers cannot use layers of contracting to avoid wage theft liability.
California's garment workforce — primarily comprised of immigrant women — were vulnerable to exploitation and the industry's notoriously unfair piecemeal pay structures. 62-year-old sewing machine operator Luci has been paid as little as 3¢ per assembly and, even working 15-hour weekdays, earned only about $390 per week. At one warehouse, Luci recalls she and her coworkers needing to put down paper on their tables before eating because rat feces covered the surfaces.
These disconcerting stories are common in L.A., where the bulk of the garment industry resides. But, with the passing of SB-62, we are looking forward to seeing garment workers paid fairly — at an hourly rate that is at least minimum wage — and working in safer, cleaner conditions. California is the first state in the nation to pass a minimum wage for its garment works. You can read more about how this law will become a blueprint for the entire fashion industry in this article.
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Extending the 'Safety Net' for All California Workers
Bet Tzedek: What is Safety Net for All?
Daniela: Safety Net for All (SafetyNet4All/SN4A) is a community-led coalition with 120+ organizations from across California. The coalition was formed during the pandemic in 2020 when members of our immigrant community were intentionally excluded from safety net programs. These excluded immigrant workers lead the coalition and are centered in the decision-making process to expand unemployment benefits to undocumented workers. California Assembly Bill 2847: Unemployment: Excluded Workers Pilot Program would provide excluded immigrant workers with unemployment benefits of $300 for up to 20 weeks if they lose their jobs.
BT: What are some SN4A accomplishments worth noting?
On April 20th, 2022, AB-2847 passed through the Assembly Committee on Insurance with 11 aye votes! This is huge. With a two days' notice that public comment and testimonies for the hearing would only be allowed in person, community members led the efforts in making over 200 calls to each insurance committee member, mobilizing over 25 people to testify in person. This is but a small testament to the power and resilience of the coalition.
BT: How can the public get involved?
1. Sign our petition and then forward it to five friends!
2. Join our coalition!
3. Join our next monthly coalition call, on May 5 from 2-3 p.m.
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Small Business Legal Aid Program Helps Entrepreneurs Thrive
California small business owners are drivers of economic growth, creating two-thirds of new jobs and employing nearly half of all private sector employees. Bet Tzedek's Small Business Development Program helps these owners navigate the legal landscape of small businesses and helps ensure that they have the tools and knowledge to operate fairly with their workers. Nadia Segura, Director of our Small Business Development Program, is now overseeing our latest initiative, the new Small Business Legal Aid Program (SBLAP).
The Small Business Legal Aid Program (SBLAP) is a partnership between the Department of Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services (WDACS); Bet Tzedek Legal Services; and Public Counsel.
"Through this partnership, we can easily connect L.A. County's small business owners with legal experts who can provide them with help ranging from basic legal information and guidance regarding the legal issues impacting them to representation by an attorney to help address their immediate and long-term legal issues," says Segura.
The Small Business Development team at Bet Tzedek has been working with LA County for years, partnering to provide legal services to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Segura explains, "At the start of the pandemic, Bet Tzedek partnered with the City of Los Angeles (through LA Represents), LA County's Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, and other community partners, as well as a vast network of pro bono counsel. We built an infrastructure and support system for small businesses to apply for and secure effective legal services on transactional and Covid-related issues."
Through this new Small Business Legal Aid Program, we'll provide webinars and presentations; small business academies: two-hour courses designed to sharpen owners' legal I.Q. followed by the opportunity to meet one-on-one with experts for legal advice; and direct client representation through which small business owners can be connected with their own an attorney. Learn more here.
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