Organizing the South

The Union for Southern Service Workers was formed with the mission to organize low-wage, predominantly Black and Brown workers – who have been historically excluded from the promise of family-sustaining wages, healthcare and other benefits, and safety on the job that unions bring.

We support the USSW’s critical organizing work by placing a spotlight on the low-road working conditions in a range of industries in the South including fast food, dollar stores, and warehousing.  SOC research and campaign support helps workers take on pay, safety and other workplace problems.  Workers employed by Waffle House, Dollar General and other iconic southern chains are leading the way with strikes, protests and demands for higher wages and enforcement of fundamental workplace laws.

The USSW filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor alleging wage theft at Waffle House, estimating unpaid wages of up to $46.8 million per year. The SOC released a poll that it conducted of Waffle House workers, showing that 90% of the workers surveyed reported experiencing at least one form of wage theft.