The Wage Justice Center

To defend workers’ rights across Southern California to ensure a just and equitable economy for all.

Values:

Our Vision: To eradicate wage theft, foster a future where every worker receives their hard-earned compensation, and promote workplace dignity, respect, and equality.

Our Values: To uphold the values of fairness and empowerment. These values are our core motivators to advocate for and assert workers’ rights.

DEI Statement:

None Provided

Programs/Services:

We help low-income workers stand up for their rights against unfair employers and those who benefit from wage theft. Our approach involves using our expertise in enforcing judgments and representing workers in informal work sectors. We prioritize providing support to workers who typically lack access to legal services and advocacy. The following is a list of our current services:

Judgment Enforcement: Need Help Collecting Unpaid Wages?

If a court or the California Labor Commissioner ruled in your favor for unpaid wages, we can assist you in understanding your rights, taking appropriate action, and evaluating your chances of recovering the money you’re owed. While a judgment confirms your right to payment, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive the funds. WJC helps workers navigate the process.

Wage Liens for Construction Workers: Protect Your Earnings

If you’re a construction worker who hasn’t been paid for your labor, we can help you determine if you qualify for a mechanic’s lien. This special legal tool can be used under specific circumstances to secure payment for your wages. WJC helps workers through the process.

Education and Prevention: Learn How to Protect Your Wages

WJC offers training and resources to help workers and their supporting organizations understand wage theft. We provide information on how to minimize the risk of unpaid wages and prepare for action if faced with this issue.

Outreach and Mobile Clinics: Bringing Legal Aid to You

We believe all workers deserve to know their rights and have access to support when faced with unpaid wages. WJC conducts outreach at day labor sites throughout Southern California and offers mobile clinics in select locations to provide workers with direct legal advice.

Workplace Monitoring: Ensuring Compliance

If workers suspect their workplace is violating wage and hour laws or is subject to monitoring due to past violations, WJC can help. We can assess employer’s practices to determine if they comply with labor regulations.

Important Notes:

- We primarily assist workers in Southern California, and our services can extend statewide.

- We cannot guarantee successful recovery.

- Our services are limited. We prioritize assisting individuals who meet the definition of “indigent person” under California law, including those with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

- We do not inquire about immigration status.

Ideal Candidate:

Are you passionate about social justice and committed to advocating for workers’ rights? Join our board and help drive the mission of The Wage Justice Center, a nonprofit legal aid organization dedicated to fighting wage theft and empowering marginalized communities.

Ideal Candidate: We are seeking a board member who is deeply committed to advancing social justice, particularly in the realm of workers’ rights. Our ideal candidate is:

Mission-Driven: Has a strong alignment with the values and mission of providing legal aid to underserved communities, with a focus on low-wage workers experiencing wage theft and other workplace injustices.
Diverse Perspective: Brings a unique and diverse perspective to our board, reflecting the communities we serve, such as those from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic backgrounds.
Experience in Law, Nonprofit, or Advocacy: While not required, experience in law, nonprofit leadership, community organizing, or workers’ rights advocacy is a strong asset.
Strategic Thinker: Can help shape our organization’s future, guiding strategic decision-making and supporting our growth in an evolving legal landscape.
Collaborative and Engaged: Is willing to actively participate in board meetings, contribute to fundraising efforts, and provide oversight to help ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Connections and Resources: Ideally has connections in the legal, nonprofit, or business sectors to help expand the reach of the organization’s mission through resource-building and partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to systemic change, ensuring that all workers have access to justice and dignity in the workplace.

Commitment:
Board members are expected to attend quarterly meetings, participate in committee work, and support fundraising initiatives.

If you’re passionate about using your skills and experience to support legal advocacy for vulnerable workers, we invite you to apply!

Why you should consider joining this board:

Joining our board offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on workers’ rights and social justice. Here’s why you should consider becoming a part of our leadership:

Impactful Mission: As a board member, you’ll directly contribute to fighting wage theft and advocating for marginalized workers. Your leadership will help expand access to justice for those who need it most, creating a more equitable workforce.
Influence Strategic Growth: You’ll have a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring we continue to grow sustainably and expand our reach to vulnerable communities.
Professional Development: Serving on the board provides a platform to enhance your leadership skills, work alongside seasoned professionals in the legal and nonprofit sectors, and deepen your understanding of the legal challenges faced by low-wage workers.
Community Engagement: This is a chance to give back to the community, leveraging your expertise and networks to advocate for systemic change. You’ll be part of a diverse team committed to addressing economic injustice at the grassroots level.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals, advocates, and community leaders who share your passion for workers’ rights and social justice. Your board role can open doors to collaborations and initiatives that broaden your influence.
Make a Tangible Difference: Your involvement will help secure vital resources, and ensure that we continue to provide critical legal aid services to workers in need.

By joining our board, you’ll not only contribute to meaningful change but also grow both personally and professionally in a purpose-driven environment.

Fundraising/Financial Commitment:

Annual give or get of $5,000; Attending annual gala; Attend working sessions to invite and follow up with guests

Additional Information:

Deadline can be extended. Currently seeking 1-3 board members to join our board.

To Apply:

Year Founded:

2007

Service Region(s):

Los Angeles Area, Statewide

Service Area(s):

Access to Justice, Civil Rights, Consumer Protection and Economic Justice, Education, Impact Litigation/Advocacy, Workers Rights

Annual Revenue:

$500,000 – $1 million

Employees:

6-10

Board Members:

1-5

Length of Board Term:

2- year term limit, with option to serve multiple terms.

Board Meeting Type:

Hybrid (both virtual and in-person)

Service Per Month Expected:

Less than 5 hours

Board Meetings Per Year:

Formal Board Meetings per year: WJC BMs will able to attend 100% of meetings (4 in a year) Informal Board Commitments: in addition to WJC formal board meetings, all members also agree to support various activities outside of the board meetings, which may include up to 4 hours of works of work per month.

Mission Statement