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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think it unjust that last December lower-paid Oxfam employees were in the position of having to strike?

30 replies

SorcererGaheris · 22/12/2024 21:22

To be absolutely clear - I am NOT saying that it was unjust that the workers went on strike. I am saying that I think it was unjust that it came to that in the first place, considering Oxfam is a charity that campaigns against poverty. I know their efforts are at relieving poverty in other countries, but some of their paid staff were not earning enough to cover rent and were using food banks.

For added context, I myself volunteer in an Oxfam shop and our shop closed over a couple of days last December when the managers (who are the paid employees in our shop) were on strike.

OP posts:
TiramisuCheesecake · 22/12/2024 22:25

Also to add - the store I volunteered in was in a very old building, riddled with damp. Black mould on the walls. We had floods about 3 times when I was there as the building was so badly maintained. It was freezing cold in the back shop. Head office did nothing. They did refurb the front part which the public see with nice fresh paint while we were expected to carry in in the damp.

TiramisuCheesecake · 22/12/2024 22:19

Used to volunteer there too, massive, massive disconnect between head office and stores. Nobody from head office came anywhere near our store in the 10 years I was there.

Paid staff get barely more than minimum wage, no perks above statutory and are expected to deliver a lot. But most people on here think charity should be run without any wage bill at all.

I do have to disagree that Oxfam is a poverty relief charity. That’s how most of the volunteers see it for sure. The head office staff see it as a political campaign organisation which is all about transgender rights, Pride flags and inclusive language.

FelixtheAardvark · 22/12/2024 22:13

Some of the worst employers I have ever had dealings with have been registered charities.

IsawwhatIsaw · 22/12/2024 22:11

Friend of mine worked there.
It was interesting to hear about the rather nice conditions at the Head office in Oxford, and the demands and cost cutting experienced by low paid, largely female staff on the shop floor.

Original poster
SorcererGaheris · 22/12/2024 21:54

I should perhaps add that the strike itself turned out being short-lived, as the workers’ union agreed to a new pay offer. So it turned out not to be a lengthy process. I wasn’t surprised when I found out it was going to happen, but felt sorry for the Oxfam workers who were arguably in poverty themselves.

OP posts:
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