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‘Peer’ work as precarious: A qualitative study of work conditions and experiences of people who use drugs engaged in harm reduction work
Summary
Precarious work is caused by structural inequities and characterized by nonstandard work arrangements, job insecurity, low wages, and a lack of social benefits, which apply in labour contexts and beyond. Peer engagement is a labour context where they are engaged specifically for lived or living experience of substance use, to include PWUD in decisions that affect them. Peer workers engage as volunteers, contractors, or are paid through incentives such as transportation coupons or gift cards, and work alongside staff who receive payment and social capital. Peer workers lack emotional, financial and operational support, leading to increased pressure, burden, and trauma.
Key Findings
Key findings related to emerging/promising principles for engaging PWLLE:
- Peer work is precarious: informal arrangements, lack of benefits or workers’ rights, periods of joblessness, unstable jobs
- Peer workers face a high degree of insecurity, insufficient wages, and limited social benefits
- Worker rights not exercised due to fear of job loss
- Peer work can offer flexibility and a low barrier entry to work
Key finding related to policy:
If inequities in peer work aren’t recognized, addressed, and resolved, precarious peer work will continue, then policy implications for organizations, peer workers, and folks that peers work with.
Key Findings Related Implementation Approaches:
Have ongoing flowing communication with peer during the implementation of engagement, in case elements need to be revised, or added. Be committed to provide support, be flexible where needed.
