SANTA FE, N.M. – WildEarth Workers and WildEarth Guardians today celebrated the ratification of the first-ever collective bargaining agreement at the conservation organization. With staff across nine states, WildEarth Guardians works to protect and restore the wildlife, wild places, wild rivers, and health of the American West. WildEarth Workers is represented by Denver Newspaper Guild, Local 37074 of Communications Workers of America.
WildEarth Workers was formed in October 2023 and was voluntarily recognized by WildEarth Guardians shortly after formation. Bargaining commenced in the spring of 2024 and concluded in March 2026.
“We are immensely proud of our bargaining team and all the great provisions our first CBA includes. We are now entering a new era at WildEarth Guardians with enthusiasm and renewed drive to accomplish our critical work,” said Adam Rissien, spokesperson for WildEarth Workers. “The CBA lays a foundation for a resilient workplace prepared to fight for the wild places, wildlife, and health of the American West while ensuring the safety, security, and longevity of our workforce.”
“The WildEarth Guardians mission is critically important during this time of historic attacks on public lands and wildlife – and there is no way to achieve our goals without the amazing staff that fight every day for the wild,” said Sean Stevens, executive director at WildEarth Guardians. “We are all very proud to have reached an agreement that benefits our staff, sustains the organization, and ensures that we can continue to be a force for nature into the future.”
“The workers of WildEarth Guardians are the voice for the voiceless and I am thrilled their jobs are protected and supported with a collective agreement,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “This contract is a strong foundation that will support the workers who protect our wildlife and our climate for generations to come.”
The collective bargaining agreement includes:
- Pay adjustments effective upon CBA ratification
- Annual cost of living and salary raise adjustments
- Increased paid time off
- Codification of flexible work arrangements to support staff resiliency and performance
- Just cause protections
Following a unanimous ratification vote by members of WildEarth Workers, the agreement has been signed by the organization and the union, and takes effect May 1.