New Member Alert! La Casa Workers Vote to Join Local 1037
La Casa De Don Pedro’s Youth, Family, and Health Resources Division in Newark, NJ have won their union election to join CWA Local 1037!
After a long organizing drive, with support for our partners in New Jersey Communities United (NJCU) and Workers in Early Childhood Education Action Network (WECAN), La Casa workers won their union election on August 2nd by a count of 15 to 5.
“It’s a big relief," said Sandra Fernandez, an Organizing Committee member. "The unity is there. We know that we have the power to make things change so there’s a shift in the way we feel at work. Morale was really low, and throughout this whole entire fight and trying to make this happen, it was an emotional rollercoaster. But now we feel like here we are, we’re a union. So now we’re ready to take on what we need to take on.”
La Casa workers have long endured unfair treatment from management at their worksite. Concerns varied from permanently low wages, lack of days off, working extra shifts without compensation, and humiliation from supervisors. As essential workers, they provide vital services to the youth and families of Newark and are deeply valued by their clients and community. La Casa workers seek to improve their workplace conditions so they can continue to help the community they cherish.
Workers organized tirelessly for weeks, despite facing intimidation tactics such as a captive audience meeting. Management also hired a union-busting lawyer. Still, La Casa childcare workers boldly persevered and kept a united front.
“It makes me feel great to know that things are going to change, that [management] must have accountability now," said Cesar Solis, Organizing Committee member. "I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, but it feels good to have accomplished something for whoever comes after.”
Congratulations to our newest members on the solidarity they have established with their coworkers, and their Union win to improve their workplace conditions!
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