This week, hosts James Hayes and Sarah Rodenberg are joined by Isbel Alvarado and Claudia Cortez from the Central Ohio Workers Center (CWOC) to talk about What’s Good with Workers Rights.
In 2023, two federal laws passed that provide expanded protections to workers who are pregnant, postpartum or pumping: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act). Read this COWC article about the acts.
Claudia mentions the Raise the Wage Ohio campaign, which would raise the state minimum wage to $15/hour, and end subminimum wages for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth.
Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement is an immigration option for workers connected to labor investigations. Read this NELP article for a guide for worker advocates.
Read this COWC article on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Final Rule on how to determine independent contractor or employee status under the Fair labor Standards Act.
Continue to support the Pay Stub Protection Act, which would require employers to provide earning and deductions statements to employees. COWC was also involved in successful opposition efforts to the attempts to lower unemployment benefits.
Ways to support workers and help fight against wage theft:
- Educate yourself on wage theft so you can help educate other people.
- Refer potential wage theft cases or other workplace violations cases to the Central Ohio Workers Center
- Become a member or volunteer or donate to the Central Ohio Workers Center
- Engage in advocacy for pro-worker legislation
- Support Starbucks Workers United
- Access the FREE Central Ohio Workers Center’s Know Your Rights handbook in English and Spanish.
- Stay informed with COWC's newsletter on workers and immigrants related news and updates their work in the community by joining their email list.
Follow the Central Ohio Workers Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What’s good with Policy Matters Ohio?
Policy Matters Ohio is a community partner on the film "It's Basic," a documentary about combating inequality in the richest country through guaranteed basic income at the Cleveland International Film Festival. Get your tickets to CIFF (4/3-4/13) now!
What’s Good with Ohio Voice?
Ohio Voice has been supporting partners doing c3 voter education around the prosecutor races in Franklin and Cuyahoga Counties for the March 19 primary.