For expectant parents, COVID-19 brings changes, uncertaint­y

For women expecting to deliver babies this spring and summer, the coronavirus pandemic has radically reshaped much of the experience of pregnancy and birth. From online prenatal visits to limitations on the number of people who can be present at the birth to uncertainty about the medical implications of the virus for moms and babies, parents and health care providers are figuring it out as they go along.

Report shines light on Asheville’­s hunger, homelessne­ss problems

Last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors released an in-depth report examining the hunger and homelessness situations in 25 cities across the country, including Asheville. The report found that the city has serious issues with low wages, unaffordable housing, poverty, and the number of domestic violence survivors who end up homeless. Increases in homelessness are modest, but more families are homeless. The report also highlighted some local organizations doing “exemplary” work on the issues but predicted that coming social service cuts could make the situations on both fronts more dire.

Sitel reaches settlement on labor charges; will change policies ***UPDATED­***

Sitel has reached a settlement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on charges that it violated workers’ rights at its Asheville call center. While the company admits no wrongdoing, it does agree to meet many of the union’s demands, including posting notices of workers’ rights at its facility and changing its social media and solicitation policies.

Unpreceden­ted: Sitel workers mount historic union organizing drive

Editor’s note: This article resulted from reporter David Forbes’ five-month investigation. During that time, he tried various means to get Sitel’s side of the story, including dozens of phone calls to different divisions of the company. At press time, Sitel still had not responded in any way; lacking that input, Xpress resorted to culling whatever […]