December 22, 2023

Friend, this year may go down in history for its epic displays of worker solidarity, major contract wins, and so much more!

The collective power we witnessed has energized workers across industries and we can't wait to see what victories are ahead. In 2024, we'll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with workers as they demand thriving wages, safety, and the freedom to organize. For now, enjoy this glimpse back at our work in 2023.

In Solidarity,

Jobs With Justice

The year began with a major Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement in January. Noncitizen workers who are victims of - or witnesses to - labor rights violations can access a streamlined and expedited deferred action request process. The temporary solution isn't enough to protect workers, and we'll fight to pass the POWER Act in 2024. Read more.

In May of '23, JWJ held a POWER Act briefing in Washington, D.C. with Rep. Judy Chu and other allies. For far too long, employers have used immigration enforcement as a weapon to squash organizing efforts and trump labor law. The POWER Act would stop bad bosses, protect workers from retaliation, and streamline complicated procedures for immigrant workers. Read more.

Throughout 2023, the JWJ network continued to support workers organizing for a better workplace at Starbucks. In May, Starbucks closed the remaining two of three stores in Ithaca, NY. The announcement came just one year after all three stores in Ithaca voted to unionize – marking Ithaca as the first city in the country with all-unionized stores. "This is yet another reaction from a scared bully. Starbucks is afraid of workers exercising their rights and wielding power. And terrified of democracy." Read our full statement here.

During the summer of 2023, the JWJ network rallied behind UPS Teamsters fighting for a fair contract. Days before a tentative agreement was reached in July, we joined dozens of organizations to deliver thousands of signatures from community supporters to UPS. This industry-setting contract will impact logistics and delivery workers for years to come.

#HotLaborSummer took over the headlines from coast to coast and inspired millions of workers in 2023. Whether workers were striking their bosses or fighting wage theft, we are proud to have stood with them.

In August, JWJ joined workers in Phoenix, AZ to finalize critical next steps in submitting a wage theft case to the Department of Labor for well over $200,000. Workers and their families also gathered to demand an end to workplace violence based on gender, immigrant status, race and nationality! JWJ thanks Arizona Jobs with Justice, Arizona AFL-CIO, and DC 36 IUPAT for holding space and fighting alongside these workers!

As #HotLaborSummer transitioned to #SolidaritySeason, the JWJ network – from Portland to Philly and Missouri to Florida – mobilized to support striking United Auto Workers members at the Big Three. The JWJ network delivered supplies, joined picket lines, and amplified the voices of striking autoworkers. We are proud to have shown up with autoworkers and excited to support their historic new wave of organizing.

"Angaza Laughinghouse sings where justice is in short supply. Organize! Organize! Organize!" - Bob Kingsley, former UE elected national Director of Organization

At our annual awards ceremony in November, we celebrated a fantastic slate of changemakers, including the Minor League Baseball Players and the Major League Baseball Players Association, Communications Workers of America, BLD PWR, and Angaza Laughinghouse. Their commitment to the fight for a more equitable world inspires us as we prepare for 2024!

You can watch Mr. Laughinghouse's acceptance speech for the 2023 Discount Legacy Award here.