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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Melinda Battenberg, Communications Specialist
858-560-0151 x224 | melinda.battenberg@seiu221.org

MAAC Project Picket Board of Directors Meeting

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

MAAC Project employees picketed the scheduled MAAC Project Board of Directors meeting to raise awareness about their ongoing struggle to get a fair contract. When the employees arrived at MAAC Project headquarters, they were told the Board of Directors meeting had been canceled.

Although the MAAC Project employees began contract bargaining in January 2010, after months of negotiations they have still not reached an agreement. MAAC Project employees are frustrated that during bargaining, MAAC Project management proposed a wage plan that would penalize long-time employees and would lead to layoffs and service reductions.

“We deserve a contract that will treat us with dignity and respect,” SEIU Local 221 MAAC Chapter President Adela Martinez said. “We have worked very hard, over many years towards establishing a well respected and reputable agency that has been acknowledged through many awards for the amazingly high quality services that we have and want to continue on delivering first hand to the community!”

Other MAAC Project employees echoed Martinez’ comments.

“We are the heart and soul of MAAC, we cannot let them mistreat us by taking away our seniority and our step increases,” SEIU Local 221 MAAC Project Chapter Vice President Liliana Camarena said.

“I want a living wage, but not at the sacrifice of the employees that have been here for many years.” SEIU Local 221 MAAC Project Chapter Secretary Susana Montoya said. “That’s just not right.”

Employees are also fighting proposed changes to their on-the-job rights that would negatively impact their working environment.

“MAAC has become one of San Diego’s most distinguished social service agencies and this is because of the dedication, loyalty, and hard work of their employees, MAAC employee Maria Mora said. “Let’s continue with this tradition.”

The MAAC Project provides a wide array of important services to our community: Early childhood education through a large Head Start program; weatherization for low-income households; DUI counseling; and a charter high school.  Without MAAC employees, some of the neediest members of our community would not be served.

 

SEIU Local 221 is a diverse, member-driven organization working in many occupations to make our counties a safe and healthy place to live, work, and raise our families. We represent public sector employees in San Diego and Imperial counties who work for county, local city governments and school districts, as well as Head Start. We nurse our sick, educate our children, care for our seniors and provide a host of other important services throughout our communities.