We, as Maximus call center employees, strive to deliver the highest level of service to the federal government and to the American citizens that reach out to us with important questions about their healthcare. We are essential workers who perform a critical task and should be recognized and respected as such. We expect as skilled, government workers that Maximus value our labor, our input into our jobs, and that at all times the company complies with U.S. labor and employment laws. Our right to organize and to have a say in our working conditions is critical. Our ability to afford our basic necessities, take time off if we need to, and live with dignity is essential to us being able to provide the best service possible.

We demand that Maximus stop valuing profits over people and respect the following rights of its employees:

A Living Wage and Just Compensation

As federal contractors we deserve a wage that is at least $15 an hour. We also deserve to be paid the adequate Service Contract Act (SCA) rate for our job duties and to be provided with information from our employer on our SCA classifications and rates of pay, and to have these reviewed if we feel they are not accurate.

A Right to Organize

We have the right to association and to organize labor unions (as is afforded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights); to official recognition of our union; and to meet as a collective group on all issues of concern with management. We have the right to freely conduct meetings on non-working hours; to petition for redress of grievances; and ultimately to bargain collectively in order to protect and advance our collective interests.

Adequate Benefits

We have the right to a healthcare plan and benefits equal to or better than those being offered through the Affordable Care Act. As workers who are helping Americans access affordable healthcare every day, it is shameful that we are not guaranteed affordable comprehensive healthcare as part of our job. We also have the right to paid leave that does not punish us if we fall ill or have to take care of a sick family member. We have the right to personal and vacation time that is separate from days we must use if we fall ill. Ultimately, we have the right to bargain for benefits that would be both mutually beneficial to us and the company, that improve working conditions, workplace safety, worker retention and satisfaction.

Safe Workplaces

We have the right to a safe and secure working environment with adequate training and proper Personal Protective Equipment during the pandemic at no cost to the employee. We deserve to work in spaces that are properly ventilated, are regularly cleaned and sanitized, and that at all times have working bathrooms, running water, soap, and hands-free hand sanitizer stations.

During the pandemic, our worksite must be set up to allow us enough space to properly social distance, including in hallways and bathrooms. Out of respect for its employees, we have the right to be assured that supervisors follow PPE regulations and CDC guidelines on maintaining a safe workplace. If a safe workplace cannot be provided, all employees should have the right to work from home. We also have the right to follow local government guidelines on the pandemic and during any weather emergencies. At no time should a Maximus employee be expected to risk their life to perform their job duties or report to work.

Access to Information

We have the right to be able to easily access information on our benefits and work-rules and to be able to locate information that is key to our jobs. Having our questions answered about policies or our benefits or requests for leave should not be a hardship. We expect that HR and the Maximus Accommodations & Leaves Team (MALT) call centers are held to the same service level agreements we abide by, with limited wait times and that MALT representatives are also graded on their ability to provide quick resolutions.

Respect

We have the right to a workplace free from harassment, exploitation, and discrimination, and favoritism. We have the right to receive fair and equal treatment, opportunities for training, promotions, pay, and benefits regardless of our religion, race, gender, sexual preference, age, disabilities, or union affiliation. We have the right not to be graded for technological failures that are out of our control. We have the right to serve our customers to the best of our abilities, providing them with all information needed and staying on the line with them as long as it takes to resolve their issues. We should not be punished or reprimanded for providing American citizens with the best possible service, particularly during this moment of crisis.