Supporting low wage people, their families, and communities through advocacy, education, and research.
Everyday, the economic and social rights of low income workers and communities are threatened by unfair employment practices, inappropriate development deals, environmental harms, and a range of discriminatory corporate and government policies. The Sugar Law Center aims to support low income workers, their families, and communities as they stand up and stand together for a fuller realization of their economic and social rights. Find out how you can help.
our Projects
Our efforts focus on issues of decent work, fair development, and environmental protection. We combine public education, policy initiatives, know-your-rights trainings, legal advocacy, technical support, and other tools to support low-income individuals, families, and communities.
unemployment insurance
Our office is at the forefront of efforts to ensure that workers receive the benefits they earned during years of work to support their families at the time income is most needed. See our online video series and handbook, explaining the UIA process and provide information to ensure that claimants receive the benefits that they have earned.
SLC’s Handbook for UIA Claimants
Video on Claiming UI Benefits
Video Providing an Overview of UI Eligibility
Video Providing an Overview of the UIA’s Online System-MiWAM
ROOTED WE RISE!
The 2021 edition of Rooted We Rise is now available! Breathe Free Detroit has updated this invaluable guide to resources that help Detroiters strengthen their communities!
WORKERS RIGHTS & THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19) PANDEMIC
workers are on the front-line of issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic. Please know that the Sugar Law Center is here to provide support.
The preservation, protection, and exercise of fundamental rights is vital to ensure healthy and safe communities and protect the welfare of the nation. Please see the link below for resources regarding protecting your rights on-the-job and during any job separation. Call us if you have any questions or need further information.
WAGE THEFT
Sugar Law provides broad support to workers across many industries. We file claims on behalf of low wage, temp agency, and immigrant workers while also educating community groups and advocating for policy change on wage issues. Our office works to ensure that workers receive all their wages and we use creative strategies towards this end.
community benefits
Sugar Law provides wide-ranging support to community benefits coalitions while advocating for equitable economic development practices that will create good jobs, affordable housing, and safe living environments.
Mass layoffs & worksite closings
We advocate for stronger protections under the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and laws that provide economic security to workers, their families, and their communities when job loss occurs.
Energy security for all
Too many people experience energy insecurity, including exorbitant utility debt and power shutoffs. We provide legal support for community-led policy change challenging inequitable energy burdens.
Democracy emergencies
Through civic engagement, grass roots advocacy, and litigation, we seek changes to undemocratic and discriminatory laws that disproportionately disenfranchise communities of color and economically poor areas, under the guise of seeking fiscal stability.
environmental justice
Environmental discrimination threatens communities of color and economically marginalized communities throughout the country. Through advocacy and representation, we work to ensure safe and healthy living environments for all.
About
Find out about our organization,
mission, people, and decades of advocacy.
Our multi-strategy approach combines public education, policy initiatives, know-your-rights training, legal advocacy, research, technical support, and other tools to provide support to communities on their economic and social rights.
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of the Ford Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, the Erb Foundation, the Michigan State Bar Foundation, the Dresner Foundation, the Oakland County Bar Foundation, the Family & Workers Fund, The Gerald Beckwith Constitutional Liberties Fund, the Kazan McLain Partners Foundation, the Fund for Equal Justice & Buck Dinner Committee, and individual donors from across the nation. Thank you for your continuing support!
