How Do We Achieve Real Change? (From the Archives, 11-18-2022)

C.I.S. Workers United first formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when we were forced to confront the health and safety concerns of our job. Coworkers came together to support each other and realized there were many issues at CIS that needed to change. Because the work is isolating, widespread struggles are often experienced alone. This can lead to us keeping our heads down or leaving the job to find something better. However, we are not the problem. The structure of the job is the problem and we don’t have to accept it.

C.I.S. Workers United decided to start organizing around health and safety and then for better working conditions overall. CIS responded by shutting us down and refusing to negotiate with its workers. At the same time, they made superficial changes in order to make us feel more appreciated and listened to. However, appreciation and kindness don’t change the real struggles CIS workers face. If we had consistent scheduling, a secure income, easier travel and work reimbursements, financial support for ongoing education, and yearly cost of living raises, the job would be more sustainable and the turnover wouldn't be so high.

Banding together can make our workplace better and safer for one another. Our working conditions are inseparable from the quality of care we provide. Only by coming together in solidarity can we fight for conditions that would also help our participants.

Do you want to join us in changing our workplace for the better? Do you want to come together to make lasting change at CIS? Let’s do this together!