CONTRACTOR POSITION:

Strategic Initiatives Manager at Workers Defense Project

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Strategic Initiatives Manger will oversee Workers Defense Project’s efforts to grow to scale by developing and implementing mission-driven programs that create sustainable revenue streams in line with new “functional organizing” initiatives.

Workers Defense Project is seeking a creative, self-starting, and business-savvy individual who will support the growth of the organization by identifying, developing, and implementing strategies that generate profit and empower low-income workers to achieve fair employment. WDP has already identified and begun designing programs around two sustainable revenue streams, and it anticipates that the Strategic Initiatives Manager …

JOB OPENING: NONPROFIT PART-TIME STAFF ACCOUNTANT in AUSTIN, TX
Applications accepted until position filled

About Workers Defense Project:

Created in 2002, Workers Defense Project (WDP) is a statewide, membership-based organization devoted to workers’ rights and advocacy, chiefly aiming to build power among Texas construction workers.  Its mission – to empower low-income workers to achieve fair employment through education, direct services, organizing and strategic partnerships – is accomplished through a network of dedicated staff, volunteers and members.

WDP is one of the few organizations in Texas focused on addressing workplace abuse faced by low-wage laborers.  Among the most established worker centers …

Workers Defense Action Fund (WDAF) is looking for people to fill a number of positions in Dallas and Austin  - check out our job postings for details!…

Workers Defense Project Responds to Recent Discussion on Tax Incentives:
Mayor Lee Leffingwell is Misleading the Public

AUSTIN— Last year, Austin City Council took an important step to enhance the city’s economic development policy by expanding provisions to ensure that companies receiving tax breaks invest in the long-term growth of our local communities and workforce by agreeing to pay a living wage to long-term employees and contract workers. Previous to this vote, there were few guidelines or rules on what large companies received tax breaks and what Austin taxpayers got in return for granting them.

WDP recognizes that this was …

WDP has been working with the City of Austin to ensure the local rest breaks ordinance for construction workers is enforced and workers’ complaints are addressed.

In 2010, WDP members held a “thirst strike” to call attention to the dangers of working outside in blistering summer temperatures without breaks. In response, the City passed an ordinance requiring employers to provide paid 10-minute rest breaks for every 3.5 hours of work on construction sites.

The ordinance was a huge victory, but questions of responsibility for enforcement have lingered until recently. WDP has been working with the City’s Code Compliance Department and …

My name is Rodimiro Tamez, and I’m a member of Workers Defense Project.

Two weeks ago, my co-workers and I filed a legal claim for $7,878 in unpaid overtime from working at Gables Park Tower.

My co-workers and I are not alone. Workers have reported over $130,000 in wage theft and unsafe working conditions at other Gables Residential sites.

What we’re asking for is simple: pay us for our work.

Can you take a minute to support us by signing this petition urging Gables to Build it Better? Last time nearly a thousand of you sent e-mails to Gables, now …

UPDATE: We’ve exceeded our goal of $10,000 by over $3,000! We raised $13,893 in 24 hours. Thank you for all your support!

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Amplify Austin begins 6 pm CST on March 20, 2014! Donate $25 now to help us reach our $10,000 goal.

Here at Workers Defense Project, we hear stories everyday about unfair and illegal practices on construction sites across the state.

Dagoberto, a WDP member and leader in his community, wrote a song about the challenges immigrant workers face.

Workers Defense Project is fighting to win better working conditions to turn these stories of individual injustices into community …

UPDATE: The petition blast is now closed. Nearly 1,000 people sent e-mails to Gables Executives asking them to Build it Better. Thank you for your continued support!
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Click here to sign the petition asking Gables to Build it Better!

Rodimiro Tamez is a painter at Gables Park Tower but could not even dream of living in one of Gables’ environmentally-certified luxury apartments. With his wages, he can’t even afford to live in the city of Austin.

Rodimiro is 63 years old and plans to work until he’s 70. He’d like to retire but he has to support his family. …

Construction workers risk their lives every day on the job, but still can’t make ends meet.

That’s why we launched the Better Builder program, which guarantees safe, living wage jobs on the sites of participating developers.

With your help, we can expand the program and improve the lives of thousands of construction workers. Take 5 minutes to schedule your donation to Workers Defense Project for Amplify Austin, a 24 hour online fundraising campaign on March 20-21. 

Or mark on your calendar to donate to WDP on March 20 or 21 (you don’t need to create a profile if you donate …

On Saturday, February 15, 200 workers and supporters gathered at Gables Park Plaza to ask this commercial developer to ensure that the thousands of workers that make their company profitable have safe, living wage jobs.

Check out our Storify recap of the action below.

In our ten year history, workers have reported more cases of abuse on Gables sites than any other single developer, including wage theft, no rest or water breaks even during scorching summer heat, and unsafe working conditions.

Our action was covered widely in the media, including a print and online story from the Austin-American Statesman, …