DC JWJ Helps Day Laborers Through Winter

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Sometimes it just takes a cup of hot chocolate to make the difference. That’s what DC Jobs with Justice (JWJ) believes, especially when it comes to DC’s day laborers who brave the cold early mornings to try to get work. DCJWJ is asking community members to “share your warmth with DC’s Day Laborers” this season by bringing hot chocolate or coffee any weekday morning to the Home Depot on Rhode Island Avenue NE in the Hechinger Mall, or taking a Tuesday or Thursday morning to come to the hiring site and help day laborers improve their English. In addition to braving the cold, day laborers in DC often suffer from employer wage theft. DCJWJ is circulating a petition demanding a meeting with Metro Police Chief Lanier – who has thus far refused to meet with them – to request the police department’s support in wage theft situations. For more information on the Wage Theft Campaign or to volunteer to support DC day laborers, contact Arturo at arturo@dcjwj.org or Rachel at rachel@dcjwj.org. - photo of DC day laborers courtesy of DCJWJ