Worker Justice Center of New York

Originally founded in 1981 as Farmworker Legal Services of New York, WJCNY was established in late 2011 through the merger of Farmworker Legal Services with the Hudson Valley-based Workers’ Rights Law Center. WJCNY is now widely recognized as the premier legal services organization serving farmworkers and other low-wage workers in Upstate New York. Among immigrant communities in our region, we are widely regarded as a trusted source of information and legal assistance, as well as grassroots advocacy. WJCNY is currently staffed by 20 full-time employees. We work with 6 volunteer attorneys who support our legal work. WJCNYworks with 5,000 people each year, most of whom are migrant or immigrant individuals and families. Our programs support a largely rural, marginalized population with legal, human trafficking, survivor, outreach, advocacy programs through direct service, education, consultation, and referrals. With offices in Hawthorne, Rochester, and Kingston we are able to respond to the unique needs of low-wage and agricultural workers across the state.

The Worker Justice Center of New York pursues justice for those denied human rights with a focus on agricultural and other low wage workers, through legal representation, community empowerment and advocacy for institutional change.