🟧Worker Power: Labor Rights, Fair Wages and Unions
A ranked guide to advocacy organizations and unions championing workers’ rights, fair pay, safe conditions, and collective power in the workplace.
Updated April 30, 2026
Worker power is about fair wages, safe workplaces, collective bargaining, dignity on the job, and the right of people to have a real voice in the economy.
This guide highlights advocacy organizations (including several based in Washington state) and labor unions working to protect workers’ rights, strengthen unions, improve working conditions, and expand economic fairness for union and non-union workers alike.
National Organizations
Economic Policy Institute (EPI)
A nonprofit think tank that focuses on the economic condition of low- and middle-income Americans, advocating for policies that promote economic equity and labor rights.
National Employment Law Project (NELP)
An organization that advocates for policies to improve the wages and working conditions of low-wage workers, focusing on labor rights and economic equity.
A national organization that advocates for workers' rights and economic justice, focusing on building coalitions across various movements to support labor initiatives.
Working America is a community group that advocates for the rights of non-union workers, focusing on better wages, benefits, and working conditions through grassroots organizing and outreach.
National Domestic Workers Alliance
An advocacy organization working for respect, recognition, labor rights, and legal protections for nannies, housecleaners, home care workers, and other domestic workers.
National Council for Occupational Safety and Health
A national network that builds worker power to demand safe, healthy jobs free from exploitation, abuse, and unsafe working conditions.
An advocacy organization working to end subminimum wages and improve wages and working conditions for tipped workers and other service-sector workers.
For Washington state resources, see the section after Labor Unions.
Labor Unions
This list highlights prominent labor organizations that represent diverse industries and play a significant role in shaping labor policy.
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
A federation of unions representing millions of workers, advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
A union representing workers in health care, public services, and property services, advocating for quality jobs and better working conditions.
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
AFGE represents federal and District of Columbia government employees, advocating for their rights, fair wages, and better working conditions. The organization focuses on collective bargaining, workplace safety, and the protection of its members' interests.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)
A union representing workers in retail, grocery, and food processing, advocating for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions.
A labor union that advocates for the rights and working conditions of farm workers, promoting fair wages and labor practices.
National Education Association (NEA)
The largest professional organization for educators in the United States, advocating for public education and the rights of teachers.
American Federation of Teachers
A union representing educators, health care workers, and public employees, advocating for fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, and high-quality public education, health care, and public services.
Communication Workers of America (CWA)
A union representing workers in telecommunications, media, and other industries, fighting for fair wages, benefits, and job security.
Washington State Organizations
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
The state’s largest labor organization, representing more than 650 local unions and 600,000 working people statewide, and advocating for worker rights, union power, and labor solidarity.
Working Washington
A statewide workers organization fighting to raise wages, improve labor standards, and build worker power around economic inequality and the value of work.
Fair Work Center
A worker rights organization helping Washington workers understand and enforce workplace protections, including minimum wage, paid sick leave, wage theft, and other labor standards.
Washington Employment Lawyers Association
An organization of employment lawyers and advocates working to enforce and advance employee rights, workplace fairness, and public awareness of worker protections.
Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action
A grassroots organization of retirees and community activists working across generations for economic security, dignity, social justice, public services, and a healthy planet.
Related Resources at Plainly, Garbl
A ranked guide to advocacy groups promoting economic security, fair wages, and opportunities for working families.
🟦Public Services & Civil Service Protections
A ranked guide to organizations defending fair, professional public institutions.
Labor Advocacy Issues
Collective Bargaining Rights: The right of workers to negotiate with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions through representatives. Advocacy for strong collective bargaining rights can empower workers and lead to better labor agreements.
Living Wage and Fair Compensation: Advocacy for policies that ensure workers receive wages that meet basic living standards. Supporting living wage initiatives addresses income inequality and enhances economic stability for families.
Workplace Protections: Ensuring safe and fair working conditions through regulations and protections against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe practices. Advocacy in this area is crucial for safeguarding workers' rights and health.
Health and Safety Standards: Promoting regulations that protect workers from hazardous conditions and ensure access to health benefits. Advocacy for stronger health and safety standards can significantly impact workers' well-being.
Support for Striking Workers: Advocating for the rights of workers to strike for better working conditions or pay without fear of retaliation. Supporting striking workers can draw public attention to labor disputes and influence negotiations.
Advocacy for Non-Union Workers: This issue supports workers not in unions, focusing on their rights to fair wages, benefits, and working conditions through grassroots efforts.
Nice list!
Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action is a kindred spirit: retirees putting their life experience to work, building justice and equity for all. https://www.psara.org/