Workers' Dignity - Wage Theft

A Worker-led Non-Profit Dedicated to Fighting

Wage Theft and Workplace Injustice

What is Wage Theft?

Wage theft—when employers deny workers their rightful pay—costs U.S. workers an estimated $15 to $50 billion every year^{1Economic Policy Institute (2017). Employers steal billions from workers’ paychecks each year}, disproportionately impacting low-wage and immigrant workers^{2Economic Policy Institute (2020). Wage Theft and the Impact on Low-Wage Workers}.

Wage Theft 101

How It Affects Us All

When billions are withheld from workers, families are forced into poverty, relying on public assistance^{3Center for Public Integrity (2021). Wage theft hits immigrants — hard} and facing increased stress and violence^{4National Institute of Justice (2016). Economic Distress and Intimate Partner Violence} weakening our local economy and community well-being.

Social Impact

Workers' Dignity's Impact

Workers' Dignity / Dignidad Obrera uses a proven, ethical, and restorative-justice approach to fight wage theft. Our work has empowered thousands of workers across Davidson County to reclaim millions in stolen wages—restoring dignity and fairness to our workplaces and strengthening our communities^{6GivingMatters.com. Mission & Impact: Workers' Dignity/Dignidad Obrera}.

Our Outcomes

Our Proven Process to Recover Wages

We have successfully helped recover millions of dollars of wages for workers using this process, and it has helped create working-class solidarity, a more dynamic economy, and accountability for employers that benefits all Nashvillians.

Step 1

Inquiry

We start with understanding. Our team reaches out on behalf of the worker(s), often discovering that a simple conversation can bridge language barriers or clarify misunderstandings.

With clear communication, many cases are resolved quickly and fairly.

Step 2

Diplomacy

If needed, we take it a step further. A delegation of workers and trained staff formally requests reconciliation and recovery of outstanding wages.

Our team, skilled in negotiation and collaborative communication, works to secure a respectful, amicable solution.

Step 3

Activism

As a last resort, we activate public support. We organize impactful actions to raise awareness of the employer’s non-compliance, urging them to recognize and respect the dignity of their laborers.

Our goal is not just to recover wages, but to foster accountability and respect in our community.

Message from Our Executive Director:

Turning Fear Into Action: Fighting for Justice, Together

There’s no denying it: the world feels heavier lately. Many of us feel a mounting sense of fear, anger, or even hopelessness as injustices seem to multiply and the fabric of our communities stretches thin. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to wonder what any one of us can do in the face of so much.

But here’s the truth: there are things that work. There are things we can do.

When we take action to support the most vulnerable among us, we lift up our entire community. This is why Workers’ Dignity // Dignidad Obrera exists—because fighting for justice is possible, and it makes a difference.

Celebrating 14 Years of Victories

$2,000,000 stolen wages recovered

500+ wage theft victims supported

300+ protests organized

1000+ peer trainings

22 Mile March for Jobs, Justice, and Equality

5000+ PPE units distributed

$717,000/year wage increase for hospitality workers at 11 hotels

$680,000/year improved wages and benefits for housekeepers

$53,000/year increase for housekeeping staff at the Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt

9 Years of WDYO, Bilingual Worker Run Radio Station

Victory Stories

Mario got his full wages from his discriminatory restaurant owners.

Fidel’s team of painters recovered the $17,648 they were owed.

Claudia recovered her full wages for her housekeeping labor.