Introduction

The vast majority of workers initially contact Arise Chicago because of their own workplace issues.  They hear about Arise from other workers, our manual, social service agencies, TV and radio shows, newspapers, and word-of-mouth within their communities.

Workers are first asked to speak with their coworkers, as most often the issues are widespread in a workplace.  Then, either as an individual or a group, workers attend a 2-hour workshop where they learn their rights.

Popular Education-Style

During our signature popular education-style workshop, workers hear from workers in other workplaces and learn that their issues are not isolated.

According to a study conducted by the University of Illinois, over $1 Million is stolen from low-wage workers every day in Chicago’s Cook County.  Click here for study

Workers share their stories about not being paid on time, not being paid proper wages, and very often, not being paid at all.  Workers talk about the health and safety risks they must take, or be fired.  Workers talk about the dehumanization and disrespect they feel on the job.

Due to the high volume of workers contacting Arise, (20-30 calls a day), Arise then asks for a commitment from the workers to become members.  Learn more about membership

Arise has provided workshops to nearly 10,000 workers.

Frequency

Workshops are held virtually and at the Worker Center, and are available in the community at partner organizations’ request.  Call 773.769.6000 for information about our next workshop.

Workers Rights Manual

ACWC boasts the most comprehensive workers’ rights publication in the state of Illinois. Our Worker Rights Manual is free, in print and downloadable form, in English, Spanish, and Polish, and written at an 8^th grade reading level.  We have distributed over 20,000 hard copies of the manual.

Free download of the Arise Workers’ Rights Manual

• Click here for English
• Click here for Spanish
• Click here for Polish