A Personal Message: Our Shared Fight for Dignity and Respect

Dear CFS Social Worker,

Earlier this week you received an email detailing the letter we sent to SSA Executive Management suspending the CFS Labor Management Committee. You can read that update here, and take the important survey attached to it, here.

Now, I want to take a moment to share something personal with you—not because it’s about me, but because it reflects the challenges many of you face every day and the collective fight we’re engaged in together.

As many of you know, before becoming your OCEA Labor Representative, I worked in the same Agency you do now. Over my ten years at SSA-CFS, I worked as a Senior Social Worker (SSW) and Senior Social Services Supervisor (SSSS) across various programs, including Dependency Investigations, Court Officer, Permanency Services Program (PSP) – Collaborative Courts, and the former Court Training Program (CTP).

Despite the overwhelming workload, unrealistic expectations, lack of resources and support, increasing exposure to secondary trauma, questionable leadership decisions, and low morale—to name a few of the challenges we encounter—I poured my heart into this work alongside many of you because I truly believe in the importance of the service we provide to the children, families, and communities we serve.

Like many of you, my decision to become a social worker was driven by a deep, intrinsic desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. However, as I became more immersed in my role with the County, I also became more acutely aware of the systemic barriers that hinder our ability to do the work we are so passionate about. And the more I highlighted these challenges, the more marginalized I felt. This unwavering commitment to advocacy and social justice ultimately led me in 2022 to transition from County employee to OCEA advocate for County workers.

I won’t pretend that this adjustment has been easy. Unfortunately, instead of taking advantage of the opportunity to collaborate and bridge gaps, CFS Executive Management chose to respond defensively. Regrettably, but not unexpectedly, I’ve found myself subjected to the same old tactics used to silence and discredit those who stand up for what’s right—gaslighting, character attacks, and attempts to undermine my integrity.

These actions are not unique to me—they’re part of an entrenched culture used to intimidate and divert attention from the real issues. When they can’t refute the message, they attack the messenger.

The problem for them is this: It doesn’t break me, it emboldens me. The more they try to silence me, the more resolute I become. What I’m facing now is the same struggle that so many of you confront every day, and it reminds us why we must stay united in this fight.

To those of you who have faced retaliation or unfair treatment simply for advocating for what you deserve: know that we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. The same tactics they use against me only strengthen our shared commitment to dignity, fairness, and respect for every worker.

But we cannot do this alone. This fight requires each of us to stand together. Here’s how you can help:

TAKE THE SURVEY: We are asking you to take part in this important survey to share your lived experiences. This data will be vital in challenging management and pushing for meaningful, lasting change.

STAY ENGAGED: Join us in OCEA meetings, actions, and events. Your presence and voice make a tremendous difference.

SPEAK UP: If you’ve faced similar tactics or injustices, share your story. Together, we can expose these practices and demand accountability. You can do so by responding to this email or completing this survey.

SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER: Solidarity is our greatest strength. When we stand together, we show that their efforts to divide us will not succeed.

WE ARE STRONGER THAN THEIR TACTICS. We are united by the belief that, like our clients, every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Together, we will continue to fight for this ideal, which we all deeply believe in.

Thank you for your trust, resilience, and courage. It is an honor to stand with you in this fight, and I will not waver in my commitment to each and every one of you.

In Solidarity,

Kerensa Schupmann
OCEA Senior Labor Representative
(and Former CFS Social Worker)

Publication Date: January 23, 2025