Groundswell Fund and Groundswell Workers United Ratify First Groundbreaking Collective Bargaining Agreement
After an April 2022 voluntary recognition as part of Communication Workers of America Groundswell Workers United (GWU), Groundswell Fund, and Groundswell Action Fund proudly announce the unanimous ratification of our first union contract.
This landmark agreement was negotiated through a nearly two-year leadership transition with limited Human Resources and Operations capacity and a rotating team of seven GWU Bargaining Committee/Steward members. This contract codifies and expands generous benefits and wages while providing a roadmap for equitable workplace processes.
“We know that this is not an ending but a beginning of building a working relationship where staff feel formalized agency and power,” said CEO Yamani Yansá Hernandez. “In a time when our social safety net is disintegrating, there is increased responsibility on workplaces to step up where the government has not. Next is advocating for the resources needed for our grantee partners to follow suit and expand support for their staff.”
The contract reflects Groundswell and Groundswell Workers United’s shared commitment to supporting staff and building a stronger organization while balancing the mission to support grassroots movements. This groundbreaking agreement aligns with the organization’s values and operationalizes them in concrete ways.
Key highlights of the agreement include:
- Four-day (32-hour) work week codified with no reduction in pay
- Salary floor of $75,000
- Guaranteed COLA, as well as merit increases
As well as increases in:
- Existing fertility and gender-affirming care benefits
- Office closures, holidays, family, and medical leave
- Professional development funds
Non-typical highlights include:
- Additional support in areas such as adoption and language pay differentials.
- Immigrant workers’ protection and benefits covering government filing fees and legal benefit programs.
- Infant feeding benefits covering shipping fees and other accommodations needed during work-related travel.
- Codified supplemental dependent care reimbursement in addition to federal pre-tax dependent care assistance program (DCAP) benefit.
“We believe that the fight against oppression extends beyond the movements we support and we must model justice and liberatory power within our own workplace,” added Janet Favela Sonneman, Groundswell Workers United Steward. “We are incredibly proud of the work accomplished and also believe we have much more to learn and apply to reflect our commitment to supporting workers by building a stronger organization that continues to fight for our collective liberation.”
“I’m so impressed by the compassion, clarity, and curiosity all parties brought to this process. Groundswell and Groundswell Workers United, along with support from the resources of the Beyond Neutrality toolkit, have developed a model that creates a kind of organization culture we all want to see through our movements,” said Kimberly Inez McGuire, Groundswell Fund Board Chair. “For organizations embarking on their own process, we highly recommend Beyond Neutrality and The Management Center as trusted resources that are anti-racist, pro-union, and mission-driven. Congratulations to all!”
About Groundswell Fund and Groundswell Action Fund
Groundswell Fund strengthens U.S. movements for reproductive and social justice by resourcing intersectional grassroots organizing and centering the leadership of women of color, transgender, and gender-expansive people. Its sibling organization, Groundswell Action Fund, supports social justice movements by providing financial resources and capacity-building support to c4 grassroots organizations.
About Groundswell Workers United
Groundswell Workers United is dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable working conditions for all staff members. We strive to create a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and aligned with our values of social justice and equity.