Bargaining Updates, February 2023

State Workers in New Jersey Kick Off Big Contract Bargaining

New Jersey State Workers getting started bargaining a new contract covering 35,000 workers across the state! On February 1st, nearly 450 CWA Stewards met over zoom to talk about bargaining and mobilization prep and how we'll be strengthening our solidarity over the coming months.

Local 1037 Workers at Bergen’s Promise Vote to Ratify New Contract

On February 23rd, CWA Local 1037 workers at Bergen’s Promise voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year contract. The new contract begins retroactively from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025. The Bargaining Committee negotiated salary increases, higher on-call rates and longevity stipends, a pilot telework program, and more.

“I think it’s a great contract. It’s going to help retention and continuity of services for the families we serve. I got a lot of good feedback from workers,” said Cole Campbelle, a Shop Steward and Care Manager at Bergen’s Promise. “I agree, this is going to help keep and recruit workers,” added Meghan Monroe, also a Shop Steward and Care Manager. “lt’s definitely one of the better contracts that recognizes and respects the difficult and important work that we do.”

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Audubon Society Workers Fighting for their First Union Contract – Action Alert!

National Audubon Society workers voted last year to join CWA Local 1180, and have been at the bargaining table fighting for their first union contract for nearly a year. They’re working to codify policies and practices in aour collective bargaining agreement that will help make Audubon a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization.

Audubon CEO Dr. Elizabeth Gray, through her bargaining chair, Athena Buenconsejo, has rejected even the most standard contract language found in numerous nonprofit shops. In doing so, she is disregarding research and management best practices that would help guarantee inclusion, support, and protection for all employees. On top of this, Audubon leadership has unilaterally cut workers’ healthcare benefits, pushing costs onto the organization’s most vulnerable staff while rejecting more equitable proposals produced by the union.

Dr. Gray and the Union agreed to bargain in good faith. Commitment to change is measured by action, not words.

Audubon workers need your help to pressure Dr. Gray, Board Chair Susan Bell, and the Board of Directors to treat the hundreds of Audubon union employees with respect by getting serious about negotiating a fair contract. Click here to send an email telling them to work with the union to improve the workplace, support conservation work, and create a more equitable and inclusive environmental movement!