HOW UNIONIZATION MAKES HOW MAKES EVERYONE SAFER
Dear Editor,
At Missouri Jobs with Justice, we steadfastly uphold the belief that unions are an indispensable element of any workplace, including our own nonprofit at MOJWJ. Our dedicated staff are proud members of the United Media Guild, with whom I’ve had the privilege of negotiating contracts for over a decade. Thanks to our collaborative efforts, our organization boasts high retention rates, enhanced impact, and a comprehensive benefits package that empowers our team to excel in their roles while caring for their families.
We believe that Rose Brooks Center and the people they serve will be stronger when the workers who carry out the mission and valuable work have a collective voice on the job and are treated fairly. The staff at Rose Brooks Center serve on the front lines of survivor support, community education, and violence prevention, displaying commendable dedication in breaking the cycle of violence. As we confront the pervasive issue of domestic violence in our society, it is imperative that those tirelessly working on the front lines to support survivors and combat this epidemic are adequately supported and empowered themselves.
The role of Rose Brooks Center staff in providing essential services, including counseling, shelter, legal advocacy, and community outreach, cannot be overstated. Their dedication and commitment to helping survivors rebuild their lives often comes at great personal cost. Yet, too often, these professionals face challenging working conditions, inadequate resources, and a lack of job security.
Unionization offers domestic violence staff a powerful tool to advocate for their rights, improve working conditions, and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. By coming together as a collective voice, they can negotiate for better wages, benefits, staffing levels, and workplace safety measures. Additionally, a union provides a platform for staff to address issues of burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma, which are all too common in this line of work.
Furthermore, unionization can lead to increased collaboration and solidarity among domestic violence staff, fostering a supportive and cohesive work environment. This, in turn, translates to better outcomes for survivors, as staff morale and job satisfaction directly impact the quality of care and support they are able to provide.
It is essential that we recognize the invaluable contributions of domestic violence staff and prioritize their well-being and professional empowerment. Unionization is not only a means to improve the lives of these dedicated professionals but also a vital step towards creating safer and more effective support systems for survivors of domestic violence.
In solidarity,
Caitlyn Adams
Executive Director
Missouri Jobs with Justice
