Workplace and employment issues are a core priority for many immigrants and refugees. For a variety of reasons, immigrant and refugee workers often end up in low-wage jobs or in the underground economy. This can be due to being unable to transfer professional degrees or certifications, lack of English proficiency, or immigration status. For many, this also means they are more vulnerable to wage theft, working under unsafe conditions and trafficking.

Immigrant and refugee workers face myriad challenges at the workplace:

• Wage theft: being paid less than minimum wage, no overtime or being misclassified
• Unsafe working conditions
• Discrimination
• Lack of job training
• Trafficking

PICC is committed to combating worker exploitation, and improving conditions for immigrant and refugee workers throughout Pennsylvania.