Unionized nonprofit staff at Warehouse Workers for Justice have ratified a first contract, securing a 6% raise upon ratification.
Workers endured a four-year fight at the bargaining table. During that time, workers weathered a multi-year wage freeze, multiple rounds of layoffs and a year of stalled negotiations. They also successfully pushed management to open its books for a transparent review of the organization’s finances. This long-overdue first contract is a testament to their persistence and commitment to justice.
The agreement includes:
- Workers’ first raises since unionizing in 2021, totaling 12% over the life of the contract, plus a ratification bonus and a second-language stipend
- Strong immigrant rights protections, including time off to attend immigration proceedings and safeguards around personal information and documentation
- Increased expense reimbursements, including higher out-of-town per diem, oil change reimbursement, a monthly car allowance and improved mileage rates
- Work-life balance protections, ensuring reasonable requests for flexible schedules to meet childcare needs cannot be denied
Warehouse Workers for Justice staff are organized with the Chicago News Guild (TNG-CWA Local 34071). The bargaining unit represents a five person bargaining unit of worker center organizers and staff.