Workplace Justice Project

The WJP promotes respect and dignity by seeking legal remedy for low-wage workers, advocates for policies that uphold workers’ rights in the workplace, and educates diverse communities on issues and practices which foster fairness and equity. The WJP is the only nonprofit organization in Louisiana with a mission specific to cultivating economic opportunities for the working poor through litigation, education, and advocacy. Since its inception in 2005, we have been recognized as a community resource for low-wage workers who experience workplace violations. With the resources that come from the Loyola University community, we are uniquely situated to explore and grasp a nuanced understanding of related issues that make up economic security, such as higher wages, re-entry of formerly incarcerated workers, economic and workforce development, policies that promote the well-being of working families, such as childcare, sick leave, parental leave, healthcare, access to affordable housing, transportation, and education as an engine of social mobility. The WJP is recognized as a leader in advocacy for policies on work and wages, a recognition we have achieved by consistent monitoring of state policies that directly affect working families through our work with the state Law Institute, tracking proposed legislation to continually update our understanding of state economic policy affecting vulnerable families, and sustaining engagement with state and federal agencies to address particular issues that have direct bearing on low-wage working families. Through both formal and informal partnerships with similarly engaged community organizations, we find and use best practices for effective advocacy and push to further policy interests within the context of our work.