When Laundry Supervisor II’s at High Desert State Prison noticed they weren’t receiving their shoe allowance, they took action. Unsure why the benefit was missing, they reached out to their SEIU Local 1000 Job Stewards for answers.

The issue was raised during the monthly Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) meeting, where management expressed confusion, stating the shoe allowance wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the contract. This response prompted further investigation and advocacy from DLC 792 leadership.

DLC 792 held multiple meetings with local supervisors and managers to clarify the entitlement. When local efforts didn’t resolve the issue, the concern was escalated to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). After persistent advocacy, the matter was finally resolved.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of DLC 792 leadership and the unity of the affected workers, Laundry Supervisor II’s at High Desert State Prison not only secured their current year’s shoe allowance—they also won back pay for the past three years.

This victory highlights the power of collective action and the importance of strong representation. It’s a reminder that when members speak up and stand together, real change is possible.