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.
Professionals at the Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) who perform a number of duties to support the state’s attorneys voted with near unanimity to join AFSCME Council 81.
The bargaining unit includes nearly 200 staff at the department, including clerks, code enforcement officers, maintenance workers, accountants, administrative assistants and others. Their union election was certified at the end of August, and workers are now focused on negotiating a contract with provisions around higher pay, better training and increased promotion opportunities.
“We’re considered the backbone of the department,” said Monica Walker, a legal assistant in Delaware’s Special Victims Unit. “We make sure all the paperwork, files, copies and videos are ready, and that our attorneys are fully prepared for their court cases.”
“We work for the largest law firm in the state, and we want to be compensated fairly,” added paralegal Liz Ghione. “We want to be a part of the conversation and have a seat at the table.”