Our Story

History

Workers Defense is a statewide member-led organization that organizes with those most impacted for immigrant and worker justice in Texas. We started in 2002 to support construction workers fight wage theft and pretty quickly evolved into an organization dedicated to fight for worker Justice in Texas.

We are now a power building organization with statewide impact that is organizing for worker and immigrant justice at the local, state and national level.

Mission

Workers Defense is a member-led organization that organizes Latine immigrant workers in Texas to fight for dignity and respect.

Theory of Change

If we organize primarily Latine immigrant workers in Texas to set new industry standards, advance multisector worker policies, promote immigrant rights, and shift governing power to people most directly affected by injustice, then we will build and leverage power to transform conditions that benefit all workers.

Values

Accountability – we uphold our commitments and take account for our actions, because our people deserve nothing less.
Dignity – we value our people and believe that we are all worthy of liberation.
Love – we deeply care for each other as “compas” in the fight for immigrant and worker justice and continuously learn to show up better for each other.
Respect – we honor each other’s differences, our individual talents, cultures, backgrounds, and the roles we all play in making Texas a great state for all of us.
Solidarity – we stand together as community fighting against all forms of oppression and marginalization and join other movements who are also in the struggle for justice.