Today, 93% of Social Policy Workers United (SPWU) members voted yes to authorize a three-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike in response to MDRC Management’s refusal to bargain over end-of-year 2023 wage increases and their subsequent unlawful withholding of these wage increases as a pressure tactic at the bargaining table. This is a divergence from the status quo at MDRC and an illegal and unjust bargaining tactic. The formal ULP charge was filed with the National Labor Relations Board on May 1, 2024. In response to these unfair and unlawful bargaining tactics, our members have voted in overwhelming support (with 91% turnout) for a ULP Strike. Due to Management's actions at the bargaining table, our members have gone nearly a year and a half without receiving raises, while the cost of living continues to skyrocket in the cities in which we work and live. While MDRC stalls, we still have rent checks to write, bills to pay, and groceries to buy. MDRC must remedy the financial harm they've done. Please join us in calling on MDRC to make whole the staff they have harmed through this unprecedented approach and to bargain with us in good faith. #mdrc #mdrc50 #unions #socialpolicyworkersunited
关于我们
Social Policy Workers United is the staff union of employees at MDRC, a social policy research organization focused on programs and policies affecting people with low incomes. We represent workers across MDRC, including administrative assistants; facilities workers; researchers, research support staff,; library staff; and more. We began organizing in 2020 with the goals of creating a fair and just workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, compensated fairly, and decisions are made transparently with worker input.
- 网站
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https://www.socialpolicyworkersunited.org/
Social Policy Workers United的外部链接
- 所属行业
- 非盈利组织
- 规模
- 51-200 人
- 类型
- 非营利机构
- 创立
- 2020
- 领域
- Union和Social Policy Research
Social Policy Workers United员工
动态
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SPWU members have ratified our first contract! Read more from our President.
Yesterday, Social Policy Workers United members voted to ratify our first contract with MDRC. This decision marks an important step in our union’s trajectory and overlaps with an important timepoint—MDRC’s 50th anniversary. After three years since recognition and over two years at the bargaining table, I am so happy to celebrate this moment with my fellow union members. The ratification vote was not unanimous. With 85% of voting members in support of ratifying the contract in its current state, we acknowledge that there is still work to be done. We know that our workers deserve higher base pay, that annual increases should enable staff to get ahead and not just get by, and that MDRC is still reluctant to create a truly transparent process around the timing and criteria for promotions. SPWU will continue pushing MDRC on clarification of policies and adequately valuing the work that our talented staff bring to the table. I also want to acknowledge some of the significant wins in this hard-fought first contract. The tireless SPWU bargaining team secured just cause status for all union members, meaning they can’t be fired by the employer on a whim. We also secured a transparent grievance process and binding arbitration. ?Also importantly, the team secured benefits protections for the duration of the contract. MDRC is not allowed to lessen benefits provided to staff or increase incurred costs without bargaining with the union. We secured new paid professional development hours (equivalent to four working days per year), secured remote and hybrid work policies, and expanded funding available for educational expense reimbursement. On compensation, we ensured that union members received a minimum 6% salary increase upon ratification. Many staff saw higher bumps in pay. We also ensured that all of these increases were retroactive to January 1, 2024 to address MDRC’s refusal to provide raises to union staff at the beginning of the year. Over the course of the contract (’25, ’26, ’27) staff will see 4% annual increases to account for increased experience and increased costs of living. Thank you to the many, many people who have been supportive of SPWU’s fight so far. From those who have covered our journey in print, video, and on podcasts, to those who have listened and engaged with those platforms to learn more. Thank you to everyone who is a friend or family member of an SPWU leadership team member. Your support has not gone unnoticed, and we wouldn’t have gotten to this point without you. This is not the end of our journey, but yet another milestone as we continue to fight for a more transparent and equitable MDRC for all staff.
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Today, Social Policy Workers United and MDRC Management will return to the bargaining table with a federally appointed mediator with the intention of settling the contract. We welcome a counter proposal on compensation from Management in response to our last proposal on May 24th. A supermajority of SPWU members participated in an Unfair Labor Practice strike from June 6 - 10 in response to MDRC Management’s refusal to bargain over 2023 end-of-year raises. It has been 189 days since MDRC refused to negotiate on the raises that our members need to stay afloat. Our members recently paid another month of rent, and our wages continue to fall behind. MDRC could make this right, right now. #MDRC #MDRC50 AFSCME #laborunions #socialpolicy #nonprofitunions
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A note from our President. We are Outside, MDRC. #ULPStrike
Social Policy Workers United concluded our three-day strike yesterday addressing our active Unfair Labor Practice charge against MDRC. We think it’s important for MDRC to address the harm done to bargaining unit members without delay. At any time, MDRC could come to SPWU’s bargaining team with a plan to make our workers whole. There is no better time than right now. It is also time for MDRC to come back to the bargaining table with a compensation counter proposal that will enable us to conclude first contract bargaining. The three-day strike was a multi-site (NYC, Oakland, DC) and online (remote workers across the US) effort. It would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of SPWU leadership. I have to give a special shout to our VP, Colin Hill and Secretary, Erika Lewy. Their efforts to ensure that members were informed, consulted, and prepared through each phase leading up to and through the strike were remarkable. This would not have been possible without them, and I can’t think of a better team to work with on this effort to support SPWU workers. To every SPWU leader and member who withheld their labor in an effort to call on Management to right the wrongs that have been done to union members–thank you. Your colleagues see you and appreciate you. People in the cities we picketed as well as across the country have been inspired by your willingness to take a stand for workers’ rights. Your sacrifices will make a difference at MDRC and more broadly. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts so far: The over 600 of you that signed our letter of support, those that reposted our updates across social media, and everyone who viewed and shared our ULP strike video. (links will be in the comments) I would also like to thank every outlet that reached out to learn more about our fight and those they helped us share our story. Thank you to Conrad Ruiz and the Well Aware Podcast for sharing an amazing conversation about the importance of supporting workers' rights; Flash and Kelcey at America’s America's Work Force Union Podcast for featuring our story; Daniel Efram and Eric Hovagim for capturing photos and video from our strike in addition to our own Brenna, Sydney, and Eleanor Wilson who did an amazing job capturing footage on the ground in NYC. Many thanks to the AFSCME Council 57 team for all of their help and the longstanding direct support from Jane and Rod. Lastly, we concluded the three-day strike by announcing an additional ULP charge against MDRC, this time addressing Management’s unilateral modification of parental leave practices at the detriment of union staff. Our Union believes in protecting parents and parents-to-be and doesn’t believe MDRC has the right to lessen benefits for this group at will. MDRC Management needs to understand that the union is watching. We are aware. We are caring for our colleagues. We are Outside. –Jalen Alexander, SPWU President
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Our members held a three-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike in response to MDRC Management’s refusal to bargain over 2023 end-of-year raises. MDRC is withholding raises as an illegal, coercive bargaining tactic. For months our union members were told there would be no back pay or retroactivity. None of us have received EOY raises for 2023. It's June 2024. To be clear, MDRC Management has had many opportunities to rectify the harm they caused when they decided not to bargain on end-of-year raises, and at every point, they have refused to make SPWU members whole. In the meantime, our wages are falling behind. We implore MDRC to respond to our strike this week and answer the following: Will you direct the MDRC bargaining committee to bargain now on 2023 end-of-year raises for union members? Will you direct the MDRC bargaining committee to submit a counter-proposal to our May 24, 2024 compensation proposal? Our President Virginia Knox has invited the union to come back to the table to bargain. The union is equally ready and willing to return to the bargaining table, however, we have yet to receive notice that a counter-proposal on compensation will be put forth.?Given Dr. Knox's stated openness to bargain and interest in wrapping up this first contract, we look forward to seeing management’s counter-proposal soon.?Without a counter-proposal from Management, any offer to meet at the bargaining table is an empty one: Management is refusing to respond to our most recent counter-proposal, and refusing to negotiate separately on 2023 end of year raises without?using retroactivity as a bargaining chip. In the meantime, SPWU will continue to stand in solidarity and insist that MDRC addresses the active Unfair Labor Practice charge. MDRC should be aware that we will continue sharing our story not just within MDRC, but also with the public. Many folks are hearing about MDRC for the first time in the context of Management implementing and standing behind illegal bargaining practices and the unfair treatment of union workers. At any time, Management could begin restoring its reputation in the eyes of its peer organizations, many of which are also beginning to organize, and in the eyes of current and potential funders. To share your support, please consider signing this public letter in support of our workers and our strike: https://lnkd.in/ekfCT98S
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Social Policy Workers United转发了
After an empowering and energizing first day on the picket line striking against MDRC's unfair labor practices, it was amazing to see this conversation live. Thank you so much, Conrad, for the space to talk about the importance of unions in re-prioritizing worker well-being and enabling so many workers to advocate for themselves and each other. Social Policy Workers United will continue advocating for all of our union members. We're back outside tomorrow for Day 2 of our Unfair Labor Practice Strike because MDRC continues to withhold raises from members of the bargaining unit while offering them to non-union staff. This is an illegal change in past practice. I hope that more conversations like this--and our time on the picket line--helps to make everyone #WellAware.
Employees shouldn't feel guilty for asking for fair compensation and better benefits. The fear of harming a corporation has led to undervaluing workers and suppressing their voices. It's time to shift the narrative and prioritize the well-being of workers. Companies should recognize and value the contributions of their employees, ensuring fair pay and benefits. Speaking up for what you deserve is not harming the company but advocating for yourself and fellow workers. Do you believe corporations should prioritize employee well-being and fair compensation? Share your thoughts below! The Well Aware Podcast Episode 2 - “Supporting Workers' Rights: Understanding Unionization's Impact with Jalen Alexander.” is now live! ^_^ Join us as we discuss fair pay, workplace advocacy, and more. Tune in now on YouTube and Libsyn! YouTube: https://lnkd.in/efTyGhFG Libsyn: https://lnkd.in/eEZD4ye7
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Social Policy Workers United转发了
After an empowering and energizing first day on the picket line striking against MDRC's unfair labor practices, it was amazing to see this conversation live. Thank you so much, Conrad, for the space to talk about the importance of unions in re-prioritizing worker well-being and enabling so many workers to advocate for themselves and each other. Social Policy Workers United will continue advocating for all of our union members. We're back outside tomorrow for Day 2 of our Unfair Labor Practice Strike because MDRC continues to withhold raises from members of the bargaining unit while offering them to non-union staff. This is an illegal change in past practice. I hope that more conversations like this--and our time on the picket line--helps to make everyone #WellAware.
Employees shouldn't feel guilty for asking for fair compensation and better benefits. The fear of harming a corporation has led to undervaluing workers and suppressing their voices. It's time to shift the narrative and prioritize the well-being of workers. Companies should recognize and value the contributions of their employees, ensuring fair pay and benefits. Speaking up for what you deserve is not harming the company but advocating for yourself and fellow workers. Do you believe corporations should prioritize employee well-being and fair compensation? Share your thoughts below! The Well Aware Podcast Episode 2 - “Supporting Workers' Rights: Understanding Unionization's Impact with Jalen Alexander.” is now live! ^_^ Join us as we discuss fair pay, workplace advocacy, and more. Tune in now on YouTube and Libsyn! YouTube: https://lnkd.in/efTyGhFG Libsyn: https://lnkd.in/eEZD4ye7
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Wondering why a nonprofit organization like MDRC needs a union? Why are our members on an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike? Watch this video to learn from some of our strong union members. Thank you to Jose, Keri West, Brenna Healy, and Ann Kottner for sharing your stories. Shout-out to Jon Poilpre for the video. Catch us outside the MDRC this office this week and next. See you on the picket line! #NonprofitUnion #MDRC50 #SolidarityForever
SPWU's Unfair Labor Practice Strike: No Raises, No Work!
https://www.youtube.com/
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Wondering why most of MDRC is OOO today? We, the members of Social Policy Workers United, are on an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike today over our employer's refusal to bargain on 2023 end-of-year raises. They're withholding our wages and treating it like it's a bargaining chip. It's easy for them to do-- they're not the ones facing rising rent, cost of living, and bills while they try to make life work paycheck to paycheck. It's coercive bargaining. It's unlawful. Our workers-- passionate, talented, and committed to carrying out the mission of our organization-- deserve better. MDRC can stop with the emails, press releases, and lies. They can come meet us at the bargaining table and start negotiating in good faith. Til then, catch us on the picket line. You can support the strike by signing our letter of support https://lnkd.in/eSEXc5ab and hear member stories in this excellent video https://lnkd.in/eP5CXKAp
Letter of Support for SPWU's ULP Strike Against MDRC
docs.google.com
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Social Policy Workers United转发了
This afternoon, SPWU members came together and voted to authorize the first strike in MDRC history! MDRC management has unlawfully refused to bargain over end-of-year wages, and they have since withheld those raises as a coercive tactic at the bargaining table. We call on MDRC to address the harm they have caused to staff and to bargain with us in good faith!
Today, 93% of Social Policy Workers United (SPWU) members voted yes to authorize a three-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike in response to MDRC Management’s refusal to bargain over end-of-year 2023 wage increases and their subsequent unlawful withholding of these wage increases as a pressure tactic at the bargaining table. This is a divergence from the status quo at MDRC and an illegal and unjust bargaining tactic. The formal ULP charge was filed with the National Labor Relations Board on May 1, 2024. In response to these unfair and unlawful bargaining tactics, our members have voted in overwhelming support (with 91% turnout) for a ULP Strike. Due to Management's actions at the bargaining table, our members have gone nearly a year and a half without receiving raises, while the cost of living continues to skyrocket in the cities in which we work and live. While MDRC stalls, we still have rent checks to write, bills to pay, and groceries to buy. MDRC must remedy the financial harm they've done. Please join us in calling on MDRC to make whole the staff they have harmed through this unprecedented approach and to bargain with us in good faith. #mdrc #mdrc50 #unions #socialpolicyworkersunited
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