Members of the SPLC Union ratified their first contract on Wednesday, with 99% voting yes. The unit represents close to 200 staffers of the storied Southern Poverty Law Center at 11 offices in 5 states. They’re part of the Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035.
Highlights of the agreement, which was reached after more than a year-and-a-half of bargaining, include:
- Minimum salaries will increase by about $10,000
- 45 of 246 employees will get raises of 20% or more
- Pay will increase by 5%, 3%, 3% in November 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Management will contribute 6% of earnings to employees’ 401(k) and match up to 4% of employees’ contributions
- A grievance and arbitration process will include “just cause” standard for discipline
- Professional Development, including
- Staff attorneys will be granted time off to study for and take the bar exam
- Tuition reimbursement will be increased to $15,000 lifetime
- 17 paid holidays
- 12 weeks parental leave for birth, fostering, or adoption
- $5,000 for adoption, fostering, or surrogacy
- Up to 10 days bereavement leave per year
- Paid leave up to 2 weeks off to accommodate gender affirming care
- Severance of 2 weeks per year of service, up to a maximum of 52 weeks
- Remote and telework agreement
Congrats!
Follow the group on Twitter @SPLCUnion.