The Department of Labor has been pushing for more protections for workers who have been historically and systemically excluded from coverage under our federal labor laws, including farm workers and non-unionized workers. Instead of allowing these rules to go into effect, state governments, farmers associations, and business advocates are trying to strip workers of these protections. 

With funding from the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, Sur Legal Collaborative continues to arm poultry workers and labor organizers with knowledge around common risks and hazards across the industry and their rights, especially in relation to the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

As temperatures soar across the globe, the country, and the Deep South, a priority for Sur Legal this summer has been workplace heat justice—advocating and educating workers and organizers on combating heat stress at work with heat trainings and templates in partnership with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Employment Law Project, and many others. 

Our staff and leadership have been building new connections across the state, the Deep South, and nationally, sharing knowledge and expertise, and breaking down complex issues residing at the intersection of labor rights, immigration rights, and mass decarceration.

Originally from Mexico, 40-year-old Adrian has lived in Tennessee for almost half of his life, working hard as a restaurant cook. Facing abuse of his labor rights at a recent job, he decided to look for help with his complaint pending with the Department of Labor.

In the spirit of opportunity that this new year—2024—brings to us all, the Sur Legal Collaborative team is centering intentionality both internally and externally. As a staff, we’re in the early stages of our first-ever strategic planning process, with the support of our stellar Board of Directors. We’re also thrilled to introduce three new individuals who are bringing their time, expertise, and vitality to our small but mighty organization!

At the end of January, Sur Legal Collaborative alongside partner organizations, Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) and Centro de los Derechos del Migrante (CDM), hosted Georgia’s first labor-based deferred action (DA) clinic in Gainesville.

On October 18, 2023, Dr. Amy Zeidan of Emory University invited Sur Legal to speak to her public health class entitled “Immigration as a Social and Structural Determinant of Health.” The class was co-taught by the artist, Kelly Taylor Mitchell, as part of the Emory Art and Social Justice Fellowship.

Staff Attorney at the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, Marcela Johnson, recently volunteered her time and talent with Sur Legal Collaborative to support a survivor of the deadly and preventable nitrogen leak at Foundation Food Group in Gainesville.

From presenting at national conferences to receiving local awards, this fall Sur Legal has been widely recognized for our efforts and expertise!

“Don't be afraid to report how badly you are treated at work. Rest assured that Sur Legal will do everything they can to help people.” Like many immigrant workers, 58-year-old Pablo*, his wife, and their son work in construction, supporting the essential infrastructure of the United States. It was in February 2021, that a particular job with a contractor would take a dangerous turn.

Since Spring 2023, Sur Legal Collaborative has welcomed more new staff, Board members, and interns, and we continue to grow our capacity and expertise. Please join us in welcoming Che, Iman, Jillian, Andrew, Alexandra, and Shashaank!

We believe that knowledge is power, and the Sur Legal team is committed to equipping immigrant and vulnerable workers, as well as organizers that fight alongside these workers, with the information they need to protect themselves from potential exploitation by abusive employers. So far this year, we have provided 11 trainings to immigrant worker communities, organizers and advocates, law students, and other attorneys.

So far in 2023, Sur Legal Collaborative has welcomed four new team members, and our small but mighty women of color-led and -run organization is now a team of nine staff and two externs!

On February 13th, 2023, then U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh signed a memorandum delegating authority to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue certifications in support of applications for U and T Non-immigrant Status visas effective March 30, 2023.

On Friday, January 13, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a press release and new guidelines for immigrant workers filing labor complaints to apply for temporary protection, preventing abusive employers from retaliating against them in one of the most harmful ways possible: deportation.