Temporary Workers Tell Riverside County: Stop Using Tax Dollars to Take Away Our Voice

TAP workers and community supporters joined together at the County Administrative Center on April 15

Dozens of temporary workers, SEIU members, and community supporters joined together on Tax Day, April 15, in front of the County Administrative Center, to tell County officials that Riverside County is heading in the wrong direction. 

RIVERSIDE -- Temporary workers, employees of the County of Riverside’s Temporary Assignment Program have by a majority decided to form a union with SEIU Local 721. Unfortunately, the County’s Human Resources Department has refused to recognize the temp workers' union and has attempted to silence the TAP workers efforts through intimidation, hiring an anti-workers rights law firm, and even firing three union activists.

Temporary workers, community groups, and local leaders have joined together in this organizing effort to improve County services, create a clear path to permanent positions, and improve the wages and benefits of TAP workers for the benefit our Riverside County’s communities. 

Below, temporary workers and community supporters share experiences and thoughts:

The County employs Jackson Lewis, an anti-worker rights law firm, to the tune of $270 per hour… This is a law firm that specializes in stopping employees from forming a union. Renee Hendrix, TAP employee, abruptly let go last month from an 18-month assignment

We’ve come here today to let the County know, we want Human Resources to stop using tax dollars to interfere with our efforts to form a union.  Dianna Taylor, TAP employee

<We are here because we care about our communities and families, we care about quality services in Riverside County. Tammika Kelly, TAP employee, abruptly let go last month from a six-month assignment

Riverside County is going in the wrong direction. As people of faith we believe that there can be change. There is hope for change.  You are not alone, we will keep you in our prayers.                                                        Pastor Paula Cripps Community supporter

There is no other way to win rights without having a union. I was a union member for 42 years. You are here for the best reasons, your home and your family. This is not one day, this is for the rest of your life. Dr. Rita Ramirez-Dean Community supporter

For more information about how County of Riverside temporary employees are joining together to make improvements at work, contact Grant Lindsay at 951-686-7372.