Authors: Alissa Greer, Vicky Bungay, Bernie Pauly, Jane Buxton
Publication: International Journal of Drug Policy
Volume: 85
What we know
There is limited knowledge in the literature about the experiences of people who use drugs and are engaged in peer work in harm reduction settings across BC. This is an important avenue of research to explore as people who use drugs are impacted by precarious work conditions in the labour market.
What we discovered
‘Peer’ work was found to be precarious, involving nonstandard or casual work arrangements, high job instability and insecurity, insufficient wages, and limited social benefits. Peers were hesitant to exercise their rights or negotiate work conditions fearing job loss. On the other hand, the flexibility of this work was beneficial to some because it worked within their life circumstances and provided a low-barrier entry into the labour market.
What’s next
Understanding the perpetuated, unrecognized and unaddressed inequities in peer work is a key first step in promoting the meaningful involvement of people who use drugs. An equity lens will be key in overcoming these deeply engrained inequities, thereby facilitating deep and bold changes in policy that demand a reconceptualization of how people who use drugs, including peer workers, are included, integrated and empowered in the workplace and the labour market.
Greer, A., Bungay, V., Pauly, B., & Buxton, J. (2020). ‘Peer’ work as precarious: A qualitative study of work conditions and experiences of people who use drugs engaged in harm reduction work. International Journal of Drug Policy, 85, 102922. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102922