Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at Jewish Family Services voted overwhelmingly to join Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 6400 as Jewish Family Services Workers United. The victory comes after months of organizing and sustained union avoidance tactics from management. Workers cited high turnover and a toxic work environment among their reasons for organizing.
“We won both,” said Natashia Pickens, executive vice president of Local 6400. “This was a hard-fought win. They were pushing very hard to stop this, and it came down to the vote. We are very excited for the workers, and we are looking forward to building a collaborative process with Jewish Family Services. Workers will have a voice on the job, and a say in what happens to them in the workplace. And the company has to work with them on some of the issues they have there in the center.”
Jewish Family Services provides services for children, families and older adults designed to help alleviate hunger and improve mental health. They also operate the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry and child abuse prevention programs.