AFSCME Colorado local wins back pay for colleagues

Sarah Cuento, a program specialist I at Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (DHS), was surfing the internet when she noticed that a job posting for her exact position listed a higher starting minimum wage than what she was hired at last fall.  

She knew her AFSCME local had her back and reached out to her co-workers leading the local to see if there was a way to address this discrepancy.   

Cuento felt the only way to address this pay inequity was to quit and reapply for the same position to get a raise. But once she spoke with Jordan McGinnis, president of Local 1762 (AFSCME Colorado), she realized she didn’t have to quit. McGinnis contacted the county’s newly hired labor relations administrator to inform them of the problem.    

That opened a stream of communication about the steps needed to resolve Cuento’s issue. After reviewing the evidence, DHS leadership agreed to align Cuento’s pay with the new hiring rate. They found several other employees in similar situations and agreed to align their pay with the new hiring rate as well. Moreover, DHS leadership agreed to give these employees back pay.   

Through strong relationships, consistent communication, and diligent follow-through, members of Local XX worked to address not only Cuento’s issue but also those of several members of the bargaining unit, highlighting the difference a union makes for workers like Cuento.  

“I was beginning to not feel heard and didn’t know where to turn to next,” Cuento said. “I reached out to Jordan and Tracy and got a response within the hour. He immediately scheduled a time for us to talk about what was going on and made me feel heard. I was kept in the loop throughout the entire process and was constantly getting updates, even outside of work hours. … I was beginning to lose hope, but the union reminded me that we deserve to be heard!” 

She added, “I ... hope others feel supported and empowered to speak up, knowing there are people who will listen.”