Workers at the Chamberlain’s Children Center are preparing to
vote on joining the Service Employees International Union in an
attempt to improve working conditions at the facility.
Concerned by what they view as unsafe working conditions and
mistreatment by administrators, the workers are scheduled to vote
Oct. 1 on whether to join SEIU Local 817.
Workers at the Chamberlain’s Children Center are preparing to vote on joining the Service Employees International Union in an attempt to improve working conditions at the facility.
Concerned by what they view as unsafe working conditions and mistreatment by administrators, the workers are scheduled to vote Oct. 1 on whether to join SEIU Local 817.
While the workers are making up their minds on which way to vote, SEIU spokeswoman Margaret Bonetti said she is calling on administrators at the facility to stop using “union busting tactics” and to give the workers a chance to decide for themselves which way to vote.
“We want them to deal fairly with the workers and to treat the workers with respect like the adults that they are,” Bonetti said.
Chamberlain’s Community Services Program Director and Administrative Support Center Director Doreen Crumrine said the allegations of union busting by the facility or its administration are false.
“That is absolutely not true,” Crumrine said. “We are for whatever the employees want, but we just want them to be informed and to hear both sides.”
She said the administration complies with all state and federal labor laws in an effort to provide the best possible environment for the youths and staff.
A number of the workers who favor joining the union said they are not trying to destroy or bankrupt Chamberlain’s.
“We are not out to get anybody, we just want a better working condition and a better future for us,” employee Rachel Hernandez said.
A number of other employees agree with the idea of joining the union.
“I think the union is a good move for all employees because it gives us a voice in the workplace and we can ask for better working conditions,” Elizabeth Lopez said.
“We need better communication between the employees and management,” employee Maria Amescua said.
In early June, officials at Chamberlain’s agreed to a settlement with the NLRB and SEIU to reinstate an employee whose dismissal was seen by a labor relations investigator as a violation of labor laws. However, the settlement assured that no regulatory or legal action would be taken.
Crumrine denied any wrongdoing on Cham-berlain’s part in that case.
