At NYC Pride, The Trevor Project Workers March for a Union Contract

Workers at non-profit LGBTQ advocacy organization The Trevor Project were proud to march alongside their fellow members of CWA Local 1180 and other District 1 members at this weekend’s NYC Pride March to demand a fair first union contract, and an end to Trevor Project management attempting to silence workers.

Union workers with CWA Local 1180 provide life-sustaining care to members of the LGBTQ+ community in crisis. The workers organized their union in 2023 to advance the Trevor Project's mission of protecting LGBTQ+ youth and build a stronger, more equitable workplace.

Since joining CWA, the workers have faced anti-union tactics from management. Last summer, The Trevor Project leadership suddenly announced layoffs of nearly 12% of bargaining unit employees, many of whom were prominent union organizers and supporters. After nearly a year of bargaining over their first union contract, on top of the crisis care work that makes up their regular jobs, workers report experiencing increasing burnout and fatigue resulting from current working conditions at The Trevor Project.

“I am burnt out and I am operating largely as a shell of the person I once was. The understaffing and high shift demands of the position have taken a severe toll on my physical and mental health,” said Hel Klavin, a Crisis Services Digital Supervisor. “What we are fighting for in this contract is for respect, care, and accountability from management. We deserve the support to be able to continue to show up for everyone reaching out in crisis.”

“Union-busting burns out the workers who save LGBTQ+ lives,” said Gloria Middleton, President of CWA Local 1180. “This anti-worker behavior stands in direct opposition to what The Trevor Project stands for, and it needs to stop now. That’s why we’re working to secure a fair contract that all workers deserve, and which, in turn, will improve the quality of care that our members provide to the LGBTQ+ community.”