Carolina Alliance
For Fair Employment
(C.A.F.E.)
Carolina Alliance For Fair Employment
(C.A.F.E.)
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ISSUES !
Justice for Temp Workers Campaign Temp jobs are growing at a faster rate than any other type of job in the U.S. This is a concern because temp workers are paid less, receive fewer benefits, and have even less job security compared to regular workers. The largest employer of temps in South Carolina is state government, which employs over 10,000 temp workers a year. We at CAFE feel that state government can and should play a lead role in elevating standards for temp workers in our state. CAFE and its allies around the country have developed "Principles of Fair Conduct for Temp Agencies." The adoption of this "temp code" by temp agencies would result in immediate improvements in the lives of temp workers. In its Justice for Temp Workers Campaign, CAFE is asking state government to adopt the "temp code" as a criteria in the award of contracts to temp agencies, so that any temp agency seeking a state contract would have to comply with the higher standards.
Racism in Public Schools CAFE chapters around the state are fighting against racism in public school systems. We are concerned about a variety of issues facing African American youth, including disproportionate discipline, disproportionately low numbers of African American teachers, and denial of access to "gifted" classes. For example, CAFE's Darlington Chapter filed charges with the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education over racial disparities in the Darlington County school district. In October of 1998, the school district entered into a legal agreement that produced reforms such as increased access to "gifted" classes, reform of the remedial classes, and increased hours of instruction at the "alternative school" for students who have been expelled. CAFE has also initiated a lawsuit in Darlington County over the high school's practice of mass searches of students using uniformed police officers and dogs.
Youth Organizing CAFE organizing around school issues led to the formation of two youth chapters, one in Darlington County and the other in Laurens County. The Darlington County youth have assisted in the OCR investigation, filed complaints over mass searches, held fundraisers to build their chapter, elected representatives who serve on the CAFE Board, started a youth newsletter, attended regional youth organizing gatherings, and helped to start a second youth chapter in Laurens County. The Laurens Youth Chapter hosted CAFE's first summer internship program in 1999, and most recently have initiated an OCR investigation into racial disparities in the Laurens County school district.
Public Policy Reform CAFE is leading a statewide legislative fight to create the right for workers to see our own personnel records. Employment records can help determine promotions, demotions, raises, and layoffs. As crazy as it seems, most employees in South Carolina don't have a legal right to see our own records. Senator Jim Bryan of Laurens County has introduced a bill, S.405, that would create the right for workers to see our own records. A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter. CAFE is also working to help create a better infrastructure for progressive policy change in South Carolina. CAFE is part of a new statewide collaborative along with South Carolina Environmental Watch, South Carolina Fair Share, and South Carolina United Action. The three-year project is seeking to boost participation in the 2000 Census and otherwise get everyday people more involved in the public policymaking process.
Hispanic Outreach Project In October 2000, CAFE launched the Hispanic Outreach Project. CAFE's work on employment issues led to awareness by the staff, board, and membership of the abuse and discrimination faced by Latino workers. In February 2001, CAFE hired it's first bilingual organizer. In 2001, Hispanic families were recruited statewide. CAFE's membership more than doubled. CAFE continues to assist Hispanic constituents on issues such as unpaid wages, housing discrimination, temp worker abuse, racial profiling, and numerous other issues. In August 2001, CAFE along with the Mexican Consul out of Raleigh Durham, NC sponsored an event on John's Island in Charleston, SC. More than 2,500 Hispanics from as far away as Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina attended this event. The Mexican Consul provided services and information on how to obtain passports, I.D.'s, matriculas, civil registrations, etc. CAFE provided information that was available in English and Spanish. Information on temporary employment, SCPOP, state and federal work laws was provided. CAFE's Hispanic Outreach has expanded to the four geographical areas in the state. Monthly culture sharing events where Hispanic members and African-American members come together to discuss culture and issues that affect the community. CAFE is working with Hispanic members to help them obtain their ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). CAFE has setup two locations in the state that provides a clearinghouse of information on temp employment, "Knowing Your Rights if your are Stopped By the Police, FBI, or INS," information is also available on voter's education and voting rights, redistricting, etc. This information is available in English and Spanish.
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