by Artemis
Sonesta Select housekeeping workers. WDP Instagram page
Workers Defense Project (WDP) is a member-led, statewide organization in Texas fighting for immigrant and worker justice. Founded in 2002 to support construction workers fighting wage theft, it became part of a national movement of organizations. These provide low-wage workers with resources to improve working and living conditions through education, direct legal services, community organizing and strategic partnerships. WDP states “If we organize primarily Latine immigrant workers in Texas to set new industry standards, advance multisector worker policies, promote immigrant rights, and shift governing power to people most directly affected by injustice, then we will build and leverage power to transform conditions that benefit all workers.”
In 2025, WDP began its first woman-led campaign. Management at Sonesta Select Austin North tried to intimidate housekeeping employees complaining about stolen wages, reduced hours, unsafe working conditions, and verbally abusive supervisors. After consulting with WDP, they demonstrated in front of the hotel and sent a letter to the owner demanding resolution of problems. This campaign is ongoing but has inspired other hotel housekeeping workers, over 70% of whom are women. Anyone can sign the WDP’s petition supporting the hotel employees on its website.
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On Dec. 19, in Canada, the new Prime Minister Mark Carney, in spite of being leader of the Liberal party, cancelled the caregiver permanent residency program. Since the 1970s migrant workers caring for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities in their employers’ homes were guaranteed permanent residency. Most are from the Philippines, and 95% are women. In 2014, this program was changed to a “pilot” capping approvals at 5,500 per year, although there were 60,000 migrant caregivers in Canada. The pilot was renewed in 2014 and 2024 because caregivers organized, but more requirements were added. Nearly 5,000 caregivers have worker permits, which must be renewed annually by employers. Most employers won’t renew permits, leaving thousands undocumented. According to the Socialist Project, this is part of a pattern in Canada. Migrant workers, international students, and refugees find residency laws changing after arrival, with even approved applications tossed out. The Migrant Rights Network’s website has an open letter signed by 190 Leftist organizations demanding permanent residency for all migrants. The website provides tools to challenge laws and for caregivers to tell their stories.
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On Dec. 29, over 600 women filed a lawsuit against Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Virginia and its top executives for negligently providing surgical privileges to gynecologist Javaid Perwaiz. For over a decade, he performed unnecessary surgeries and procedures, including hysterectomies, ovarian removal, D&Cs, and C-sections, often without the patient’s consent or knowledge. He lied to some that they had cancer. Many had babies admitted to the neonatal intensive unit because he induced labor early for his convenience. Most of his victims were Black women and all were poor and on Medicaid. CRMC knowingly allowed this to continue despite numerous warnings from medical and administrative staff and insurance providers because it brought in millions from insurance reimbursements. In 2020 Perwaiz’s medical license was revoked and he was sentenced to 59 years for healthcare fraud.