Part of what makes the WSR model unique is the focus on worker-to-worker empowerment and learning. One of the roles the WSR Network plays is facilitating this kind of learning and leadership among workers. This summer, one of our members, Migrant Justice, welcomed workers who were eager to learn more about the Milk with Dignity program. 

Migrant Justice shared their expertise in developing worker leaders, engaging their community, as well as designing and adapting the WSR model to the dairy industry, and successfully implementing the Milk with Dignity Program.

Plant nursery workers from WeCount! in Florida made the journey to share their experiences and exchanged ideas for how to adapt the model to their reality. WeCount! organizers were able to dig into strategies and tools to support the development of their leadership and critical lessons-learned from Migrant Justice’s corporate campaigns.

“Para mí fue muy bueno, aprendí cosas que no habría aprendido sin el viaje. Fue muy revelador ver lo que hacen allí en Vermont. Disfruté cómo se organizan y cómo los trabajadores dan su tiempo para las reuniones a pesar de que viven lejos. Y cómo han conseguido sus derechos en el trabajo sin tener consecuencias. Esperamos que podamos lograr aquí en Florida las protecciones para trabajadores de nurserías.” – Florinda, miembro de WeCount!

“For me it was very good, I learned things that I would not have learned without the trip. It was very eye-opening to see what they do there in Vermont. I enjoyed how they organize themselves and how the workers give their time for meetings even though they live far away. And how they have achieved their rights at work without consequences. We hope that we can achieve protections for nursery workers here in Florida.” – Florinda, WeCount! Member

There is no shortage of challenges when organizing for just labor conditions, from workers’ fear of retaliation to the time and investment it takes to form a strong campaign, yet through these exchanges, workers learn that they are not alone and can experience the victories that have come about through worker solidarity and organizing.

The WSR Network staff continue to support the members of WeCount! as they work to apply the lessons they have learned through engagement with WSR Network members, including the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and Migrant Justice. Building on these lessons, we are supporting worker leaders in crafting a code of conduct adapted to their own industry and the issues they face in the workplace. The market-driven protections built into the WSR model are particularly key for workers in Florida, where the state government has blocked vital heat protections for outdoor workers. 

“Con el intercambio con Justicia Migrante y su modelo WSR aprendí sobre el gran poder que podemos llegar a tener los trabajadores cuando identificamos las herramientas correctas que nos llevan a una victoria. De esa forma, podemos poner fin a una crisis que no es solo de una industria sino de toda la mano de obra nacional.” – Ana,  miembro de WeCount! 

“Through this exchange with Migrant Justice and their WSR model, I learned about the great power that workers can have when we identify the correct tools that lead us to victory. In this way, we can put an end to a crisis that does not only exist in one industry but is part of the entire national workforce.” – Ana, WeCount! Member