Young Latino Network and Northeast Ohio Worker Center Expand Bilingual Wage Theft Clinic to include immigration legal advice through collaboration with law firm Bartell, Georgalas, and Juarez.
The Young Latino Network (YLN) and the Northeast Ohio Worker Center (NEOWC) are proud to enter their second year of partnership, continuing their work advocating for workers’ rights. In 2024, the organizations launched Northeast Ohio’s first bilingual wage theft clinic, offering critical support to Spanish speaking workers navigating wage theft and labor exploitation.
Wage theft, a prevalent issue affecting many workers and disproportionately impacting workers of color, demands urgent attention. Recognizing the need for accessible resources and support tailored to Spanish-speaking individuals, NEOWC and YLN established this service within the Clark Fulton neighborhood, an area with the city’s highest concentration of Spanish-speaking residents. Since its inception, the bilingual wage theft clinic has provided monthly services.
Through their work, YLN and NEOWC have identified a troubling trend: Spanish-speaking workers—particularly those who are immigrants or undocumented—are facing some of the most severe forms of labor exploitation. In response to these findings, the organizations are expanding their wage theft clinic to include brief legal advice on immigration issues. This expansion is made possible through a new collaboration with the law firm Bartell, Georgalas, and Juarez, which will provide workers with essential legal guidance related to their immigration status.
“So often, when immigrant or undocumented workers are exploited at work, they often stay silent for fear of their immigration status being used as retaliation by their employer” said Grace Heffernan, NEOWC. “As a result, we’ve identified the necessity of including immigration legal services as a part of our wage theft and worker services”.
“We are committed to creating spaces where Latine workers feel heard, respected, and protected,” added Selina Pagan, Executive Director of the Young Latino Network. “With this expansion, we are addressing a critical need in our community and ensuring that our most vulnerable workers have access to the resources they need.”
“Join us at our Free Immigration Legal Clinic, where experienced attorneys will be offering free consultations to help you navigate your immigration journey,” said Jose Juarez, Bartell, Georgalas, and Juarez. “Whether you’re facing challenges with removal defense, applying for a green card, or seeking citizenship, our legal professionals are here to provide expert advice and support. This clinic is designed to offer valuable legal guidance at no cost, ensuring that you understand your options and the best steps to take in your case.”
This clinic will continue to serve as a crucial resource for all workers experiencing wage theft, unfair labor practices, and related challenges, especially Spanish-speaking, immigrant, and undocumented workers. Community members interested in attending can find details on the clinic’s location and date by registering here.