Casual staff at Safe Haven call for a contract that ‘doesn’t stink’
Jun 12, 2023
The seven casual staff members signed cards and were recognized as a unit in May, but Heather Bradford, an advocate at the domestic violence shelter, said negotiations have dragged.
“We had 100 percent sign in two days — it’s only seven of us, but it’s a small workplace,” Bradford said. “I was really excited because we really want to be a part of AFSCME and negotiate for better wages and conditions.” Full-time people doing the same work are members of AFSCME and have a contract; “casual” staff members work part time and cover other shifts.
Add your name to a petition to get casual staff at Safe Haven a fair contract! Sign the petition here.
“We work less than 16 hours a week and even though we do the exact same work, we’re paid less than other workers and don’t get any benefits,” Bradford said. “Time off, paid or unpaid, is a big one.”
Bradford said the employer rejected the union’s proposal, turning away the same wage system and proposing shift changes as well. “Right now we work a maximum of 16 hours and a minimum of four hours every week; they proposed that we work a minimum of 20. That was shocking and upsetting.”
Bradford said the session was discouraging and is asking the public to help put pressure on the employer. There is a petition people can sign to urge Safe Haven to provide a better contract; a link is available at www.laborworld.org. There will also be an informational picket at Safe Haven’s public office at 414 W. First Street on Tuesday, July 11, at 3:30 p.m. Negotiations are scheduled to resume July 18.
