Unfortunately, I fear that NormK may be right here. It's probably seen by the on-the-ground crew as a 'legitimate perk' for the volunteer/s - unjust though that is.
So the way to tackle it, is
not to approach
any council employee about the matter. But instead, to make an appointment to discuss it face to face with one of the actual Councillors, preferably the one who represents the Riding in which you reside, sparker.
Go in hard, with a written 'cheat sheet' list of short dot points that set out these basics, in exactly this order:
- Summary of the situation as you understand it, including approximate commencement date
- Why you think that this situation is unjust, and possibly of questionable legality [this part will really make their ears stand up]
- Ask that this matter be brought before a Council Meeting - among other things, this will get it irrevocably on the record - and Council meeting minutes are public documents, accessible to the media
Those who have recent experience in professional recruitment [on either side of the desk] will recognise this, as the 'STAR' approach to creating 'mini case studies' of past workplace tasks successfully completed. Situation, Task, Action taken, Result; in other words.
