I Live Here, I Give Here: The Workers Defense Fund

Austin, TX - I Live Here, I Give Here focuses on a different service each month. For July, Good Day is taking a look at volunteer opportunities when it comes to legal help in our community.

The Workers Defense Fund is one of those local organizations that works on hundreds of legal cases demanding equal pay and fair employment.

With a rapidly growing community, it's no surprise construction projects are popping up just about everywhere in Austin. In fact, the industry employs more than 50,000 workers here.

The Workers Defense Project points out that a large portion of those workers are immigrants. With a language and cultural barrier, the group claims many workers are treated unfairly and that's where volunteers with The Workers Defense Project step in.

"It's everyone's responsibility to make sure there' not accidents taking place," sadi Emily Timm, of the Workers Defense Project.

Timm is talking about a condo project near the UT campus where the Occupational Safety and Healtlh Administration (OSHA) determined a faulty scaffolding gave way, killing three workers and injuring one last year.

Through investigation, OSHA also reported dozens of workers on site weren't paid for their final weeks of work.

"We believe this is an issue that hits home," Timm said. "It's so easy to think 'that could've been me out there.'"

More recently, with saring temperatures the group backed workers as they went on a hunger and thirst strike. They were demonstrating how important breaks can be during the hot summer months. Community leadrs listened up.

"We've got people who work construction who don't have rest breaks or drinking water available," said Bill Spellman, Austin City Council Member. "Although there are federal rules to make sure that happens, the city is not in a position to enforce a federal law. Only federal agencies can do that and we haven't got any federal agencies in town doing that."

So Councilman Spellman supported a resolution for the city to create a local law that would enforce fair treatment.

The Workers Defense Project calls on everyone to support the cause.