Monica Walker helps bring justice to people who have survived child abuse and sexual assault. As a legal assistant in Delaware’s Special Victims Unit, she deals with some of the toughest cases.
The Delaware Department of Justice (DDOJ) has nearly 200 white-collar professionals like Walker who support the state’s attorneys.
“We’re considered the backbone of the department,” she said. “We make sure all the paperwork, files, copies and videos are ready, and that our attorneys are fully prepared for their court cases.”
This summer, Walker and her co-workers formed a new union with AFSCME Council 81. The vote was almost unanimous: 99% voted “yes” to have a stronger voice at work.
Liz Ghione works as a paralegal at the DDOJ and is one of the new AFSCME members in Delaware.
“We work for the largest law firm in the state, and we want to be compensated fairly,” she explained. “We want to be a part of the conversation and have a seat at the table.”
Now, the support staff members at DDOJ are excited to start negotiating their first union contract.
“With our first contract, we’re hoping to increase people’s pay and work on making this environment a safe haven for the support staff,” Walker said.
The new union members also want better training, more chances for promotions, and enhanced teamwork.
Council 81 thanked Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings for supporting the workers and their right to form a union.
Public safety professionals are turning to our union to build power. AFSCME members in corrections, law enforcement and emergency response are proud to protect our freedoms and our communities.
Visit the AFSCME Public Safety website to get involved.