Have Faith. Organize: Supporting Immigrant Workers in Wisconsin

A recap of our webinar with Rebecca Meier-Rao, Executive Director of Worker Justice Wisconsin

"I am a human being. I'm not an animal." These powerful words, spoken by immigrant workers to Rebecca Meier-Rao, capture the heart of a crisis facing our communities—a crisis of dignity in the workplace.

The Hidden Reality of Worker Exploitation

With many of the WCC’s congregations wondering how they can support our immigrant neighbors, supporting worker justice is one way to show up. Nearly 90% of the workers supported by Worker Justice Wisconsin, located in Madison, are Latin American immigrants who face a devastating combination of injustices:

Wage theft tops the list as the most common violation. Nationally, an estimated $15 billion is stolen from workers annually through minimum wage violations alone—yet only $1.5 billion was recovered between 2021-2023. In Wisconsin, where wage theft is treated as a civil offense rather than a criminal one, workers can wait eight months or more for resolution, with no guarantee their employer will face consequences.

Misclassification as independent contractors is another rampant practice, particularly in construction. 100% of misclassified construction workers seen by Worker Justice Wisconsin are Latinx—a targeted, racist practice that costs workers an average of $23,500 annually in lost wages and benefits.

The Power of Collective Action

Despite these challenges, Rebecca's message is one of hope grounded in community organizing. "Laws aren't strong enough and favor employers," she explains, "but acting collectively is safer, more powerful, and more effective."

The results speak for themselves. Recently, Worker Justice Wisconsin assisted:

• Four construction workers collectively recover $22,000 from a local construction company.

• Three landscapers recover $36,000 after organizing together.

• Sixteen construction workers at a WEDA site recover $16,000 of their claimed $30,000.

Theological Foundations for Justice 

The support of workers is rooted deeply in our Christian faith. Some examples include Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (work as a blessing to be shared), Matthew 20:1-16 (all workers should be paid a just and living wage), and James 5:1-6 (exploitation as sin). Many traditions, like Catholic Social Teaching, have defended workers' rights.

"Every person, made in the image of God, deserves respect, value, and human rights—including dignified work," Rebecca Meier-Rao emphasizes, echoing the teachings of people like Rev. James Lawson and Fr. Bryan Massingale.

How Faith Communities Can Respond 

Worker Justice Wisconsin offers several concrete ways for congregations to join this movement:

1. Celebrate Labor in the Pulpit/Bimah/Minbar: This September initiative (with flexible timing) invites faith communities to center worker justice in worship through sermons, prayers, scripture resources, and educational videos.

2. Join the Rapid Response Network: If you live in or near Dane County, join a network of allies who mobilize quickly when workers need community support during organizing efforts.

3. Financial Partnership Through either Special Offerings or Recurring Donations: Congregational collections provide both financial support and moral encouragement to workers, while monthly gifts help WJW plan and sustain programs despite precarious federal funding.

4. Local Partnerships: For those outside Dane County, are there ways you could connect with workers in your community and provide support?

Rising Challenges, Unwavering Hope 

Since the 2024 election, fear has increased among immigrant workers, making organizing more difficult. Worker Justice Wisconsin now offers immigration workplace trainings to prepare workers and allies for heightened risks. Could you organize to offer these trainings in your local community?

Throughout it all, the message remains clear: "Everyone, including undocumented workers, has the right to organize under U.S. law." The organization's theme —"Have Faith. Organize" — captures both the spiritual foundation and practical strategy needed for this work.

A Call to Action

Worker exploitation remains a "hidden reality" in our communities — something vaguely sensed but rarely discussed openly. Faith communities have a unique opportunity to uncover and confront these realities, standing in solidarity with some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

As the webinar concluded with an energized, "We can have faith and organize. Yay!" the invitation is clear: How will your congregation join this movement for dignity, justice, and the inherent worth of every worker?