Founded in 1999 the Employee Rights Center has as its mission, offering all San Diego area workers, especially disadvantaged workers without union representation, education and advocacy regarding their workplace issues. It is the only non-profit organization in the area that offers legal services regarding employment and labor law. During 2009 alone, The Center won over $1.5 million in benefits and $250,000 in unpaid wage claims for its clients and has educated thousands of workers about their rights and benefits.