CIS Workers Deserve Fair Reimbursement! (From the Archives, 10-03-2022)

unitedcisworkers
Jun 9, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jun 11, 2023

CIS workers are expected to keep track of all their travel locations, what routes were taken, and the distances traveled. CIS workers are then expected to file an expense form for each work day, in addition to daily case notes. The current reimbursement system does not include the initial commute to your first job site or your commute home, only travel in between coaching shifts can be reimbursed.

This tedious and complicated process discourages CIS workers from filling out and submitting an expense form, even though its our own money that we are asking for!

Gas prices are likely going to stay high for a while. The combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (which lowered oil production) and the Ukrainian crisis (which continues to disrupt the global oil market) ensures that gas prices will not decrease or stabilize any time soon. This price increase impacts workers around the country, who have seen gas prices rise by over 30% while wages have only grown 5% in the past few years.

As Sharif, a CIS Workers United member explains, "CIS is not doing a good job of compensating us for our gas mileage. As the cost of gas keeps going up and up, our compensation rates remain inadequate, which amounts to a pay cut, especially for folks who are driving lots over the course of the week. My gas costs have doubled on average, so that's significant, it amounts to thousands of dollars over the course of a year."

A complex reimbursement system leads to inconsistent reimbursement. If everyone was paid back the money spent on gas and travel in an easy and timely manner CIS workers would experience less stress. We would be able to better afford our general living expenses, being able to use a larger portion of our wages for other important things we need. Increasing our financial stability means we can better support our participants, as well as our fellow co-workers.

C.I.S. Workers United is dedicated to addressing workplace concerns, such as gas and travel reimbursement. If you are interested in changing our workplace for the better, join us!

Sources:

https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/gas-prices-could-drop-under-3-a-gallon-by-october-but-is-the-fuel-crisis-over/

https://qz.com/2144010/us-rents-and-gas-prices-have-far-outpaced-wage-growth/