Building Worker Power Through Workforce Development final 10-4-2024 - Flipbook - Page 12
PA R T I C I PA N T
I M PAC T S
While this demonstration project did not serve a large enough
sample of participants to produce quantitative impact data,
survey results and participant and staff feedback across the
four sites revealed some potential positive impacts of this
approach. In particular, we heard a range of indications that
participants felt a stronger sense of agency, self-confidence
and the ability to advocate for themselves when needed—
critical tools to successfully navigate the 21st century economy.
Examples of this include:
Increased awareness of safety guidelines and the prevention of common injuries,
speci昀椀cally targeting industries that SOMCAN members work in (retail, hotels,
homecare), which led to some trainees addressing violations in their workplaces.
“Now that I have more information, I
try to talk more with my employers
about our rights and many employers
have thanked me because there are
rights that they do not know about as
employers at home.”
“This program gives us ideas of how to
better do our jobs with local employers,
help create safety plans for the land we
tend to at work, make pitches to
employers to ensure their spaces are
protected and therefore ours.”
– Marta, trainee
– Sebastian, trainee
Increased understanding of basic labor history, including why and how certain
protections were fought for and won. This demonstrated to participants the power
of unions and that taking collective action is what is needed to make changes.
“Now I understand my rights as a worker, I feel confident knowing that we have
these rights and that we can ask for help when something unfair happens to us at
work”
– Anonymous trainee
Participants felt empowered to be their own advocates and organize, now knowing
where they can go to address concerns in the workplace and access the resources
they need.
“This program improves our power at work in its entirety. In the past, I have had
people who do not want to pay you or want to pay you less. Now I feel a little stronger
because I know more information about what is a fair payment and how to advocate
for my payment.”
– Mayel, trainee
Participants got involved in policy change efforts, helping organize in support of
domestic workers’ rights campaigns led by partner coalitions. Multiple other participants connected with renters’ rights and tax equity campaigns.
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B U I L D I N G W O R K E R P O W E R T H RO U G H W O R K FO RC E D E V E LO P M E N T
