TOMPKINS COUNTY WORKERS CENTER

Supports, advocates for and seeks to empower people treated unfairly at work or faced with critical poverty, discrimination, health care or other social and economic issues. Activities include: The Workers' Rights Hotline (607-269-0409 [email protected] or walk-in) provides advocacy with and on behalf of workers who receive unfair treatment at work. The Workers' Center works with people to correct problems, end workers' rights violations, improve conditions and set standards of employer behavior. It can also help with filings to regulators (for example for wage theft, safety violations, discrimination, etc.), workforces interested in forming a union, or other strategies for making positive changes in the workplace. Living Wage Employer certification provides recognition to employers that voluntarily pay all employees at least the Tompkins County Living Wage. Organized labor partnerships support and coordinate shared activities with local and regional labor unions. The Workers' Rights Handbook and Restaurant Owners Manual contain comprehensive information on labor rights and employer responsibilities, free to the public. The "Workers' Edge" newsletter covers important labor issues active in the Tompkins County community. Community organizing through the Workers' Center empowers grassroots leaders' organizing skills to create change in their own and others' lives at work and in general. Community education increases knowledge and standards of economic rights and employer behavior through networking, coalition-building and solidarity.