“For 150 years, JFS has provided children, adults and seniors in the St. Louis region with the supports they need to lead vibrant, healthy lives” (— “About us” page on the Jewish Family Services website, jfsstl.org)

Jewish Family Services, JFS, celebrates a long tradition of applying Jewish values to their work of aiding families and individuals and making the world a better place. Because we the undersigned strongly support the mission and work of JFS, we offer the following opinion.

Recently, JFS employees contacted Communication Workers of America (CWA) to help with union recognition. We believe deeply in supporting the right of employees to organize.

Jews United for Justice, JUJ, met with JFS management and were assured JFS would be fair and conform to Jewish and JFS principles and values throughout the union process, despite having hired an anti-union law firm.

Unfortunately, we have seen that actions taken by JFS upper management during the course of the union organizing drive are in contrast to the values they espouse.  

JFS employees, who also believe strongly in the JFS mission and value to our community, have shared their disappointment in the blatant anti-union tactics of JFS upper management.  

We addressed a letter, expressing our dismay to the JFS Board of Directors, urging them to step back and find a way to resolve the problems respectfully to benefit everyone. This so far, has not brought about any positive change.

We therefore think it’s now important for the Jewish community in St. Louis to be aware of what’s transpiring with this organization that means so much to so many people.

If you share our concern, or would like more information, please visit our website, jujstl.org.

JUJ Steering Committee
David Lander, Chair
Rabbi Susan Talve