Our Philosophy
Metrowest Worker Center is an immigrant worker-led organization based in the MetroWest area of Greater Boston, Massachusetts, which organizes to defend and expand the labor, civil, and human rights of all workers.
- We are purposely multilingual and multiracial , and work to unite communities that unscrupulous employers seek to divide . Our meetings are held in at least two languages (Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese), and we have a sizable membership from the indigenous Kichua (Ecuadorian) community.
- We combine direct action and legal strategies to combat wage theft which has allowed us to recover more than $4 million in unpaid wages, while building worker power.
- Our membership is a combination of people and institutions, and we assist workers in developing worker-owned cooperative businesses.
- We have an Allies Committee which organizes communities of privilege to support immigrant-led campaigns, fundraise, take action against unjust laws and policies, and dismantle racism and xenophobia in their own communities.
- We have an Injured Worker's Committee which helps to plan and execute the support of people in the community who are off the job, and navigating everything that not-working and dealing with injury brings with it (including but not limited to the Worker's Compensation system, acute and long-term health care, keeping up with basic living expenses, combating adverse mental health effects of being an injured worker)
About our Work: A Closer Look
As a worker center, we are committed to education and advocacy for workers across several different industries. We support many workers in reclaiming missing or incomplete wages and overtime pay. Sometimes, there is systematic exploitation or abuse in the workplace which requires intervention and advocacy. Workers who are injured in the workplace often need various kinds of support even while seeking Worker's Compensation. Other workers are trying to negotiate their rights around various kinds of work-leaves, including Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), and we can help to orient. Throughout the various threads, we are committed to fomenting fellowship between workers and building worker power.
The immigrant worker community also faces a number of additional challenges, particularly in the initial period integrating into Massachusetts. Recently-arrived families and individuals come to us for assistance with a number of basic orientation services including:
The immigrant worker community also faces a number of additional challenges, particularly in the initial period integrating into Massachusetts. Recently-arrived families and individuals come to us for assistance with a number of basic orientation services including:
- Assistance registering kids in the local school system
- Applications for MassHealth Insurance program(s)
- Application Process for Mass state ID or Driver's License
- Orientation around Immigration-related matters, connections with legal aid consultations etc.
- Know-your-rights related to workplace treatment, benefits, and compensation
- Basic education around tenants' rights
