Achi news desk-
They say the situation is not better, senior managers have failed to listen to their concerns and they have now contacted the board for support.
In a letter, the group of 14 volunteers say that the charity’s response has “revealed to us a careless, chaotic and negative culture”.
Ann Hamilton, who said she was shocked to find herself protesting at the age of 70, is leading the charge and has written to the board.
Harrods Marie Curie store volunteers walk out twice in one day in ‘bullying’ protest
Female volunteers are to walk out of the Glasgow Marie Curie store in protest
The volunteers have also set up an online petition calling for support and are planning further public protests.
A previous statement from Marie Curie said all allegations had been investigated and that the charity maintained “high standards of care and respect for all our employees and volunteers”.
The letter outlines that the volunteers have many years of supporting and raising money for an end of life charity and do not wish to undermine that work.
However, he adds: “The response over the next nine months [since an initial complaint] has revealed to us a careless, chaotic and negative culture.
“Marie Curie has said in their statement to the Herald that the matter has been “thoroughly investigated.” We are not aware of any investigation.
“We all saw the effect on the manager’s physical and mental health. No volunteer has ever been questioned about this.”
The thrift store has been called the ‘Harrods’ charity shop in Glasgow, given its prime location and the quality of the stock.
Women who have been donating their labor to the charity for over 20 years are among the self-styled group of rebels who walked out.
The complaint relates to the treatment of the store’s former manager, who last year asked to change her hours but was told she would have to accept a demotion in order to reduce her hours.
The situation came to a head and the manager, who was a respected colleague, felt he was being forced to resign.
The group said they felt the manager had been treated very poorly and petty and a temporary area manager, The letter adds: “Consider how difficult it was for a group of volunteers to withdraw their labor and show against the charity they have committed. for so long.
“Many of us are older women, the oldest being 91, who are embarrassed and tired of taking these steps.
“Given Marie Curie’s approach to the matter some are very nervous about being made redundant by the charity. They love it and appreciate their role in the shop.
“There has been no duty of care to volunteers in this sorry saga. There has been … no response at all to our labor or protest.”
Mrs Hamilton added: “We have been encouraged by the support from local residents, local businesses, customers and donors and this supports us on social media.
“We are now considering our next step as we no longer intend to be ignored and patronised.
“This will involve further public protest.”
A spokeswoman for Marie Curie said the situation had previously been “thoroughly investigated” and that the charity “puts people at the heart of everything we do.”
The spokesperson added: “We are grateful for all our dedicated staff and volunteers.
“They are vital in helping us raise much needed funds to enable us to provide vital care and support to people at the end of their lives and their loved ones, in the comfort of their own homes and at our Hospice in Glasgow.”
