RAWR Press Contact:
Shawna Ambrose
shawna@ran.org
628. 444. 2211
San Francisco, CA — Workers at Rainforest Action Network have unanimously voted to ratify their first union contract between RAN Alliance for Workers’ Rights (RAWR-CWA) members and Rainforest Action Network. The bargaining process produced a contract that will bring significant protections and improvements for employees, including changes in caregiver support, salary floors and increases, conflict resolution, and flexible work solutions.
RAN first announced the voluntary recognition of staff-led unionization efforts with Rainforest Action Network Alliance for Workers’ Rights (RAWR), in partnership with Communication Workers of America (CWA), on August 12, 2022, and collaborative, good-faith bargaining has continued since that time.
“With a unanimous ‘Yes’ vote, RAN staff are unified for this next chapter. This contract is a major benchmark of the solidarity RAN’s work force has across regions and our shared commitment to taking action on our values,” said Ruth Breech, Campaign Manager in the Climate and Energy program at RAN and a RAWR bargaining committee member for the length of the negotiations. “At RAN, our strength is in our network. Former staff, the Communication Workers of America, and peer organizations’ guidance was pivotal in winning this contract.”
“At Rainforest Action Network, we firmly support the rights of workers and we are extremely proud of this first-ever collective bargaining agreement within RAN,” said Ginger Cassady, Executive Director of Rainforest Action Network. “This contract will provide robust protections for the organization’s employees and ensure that Rainforest Action Network remains a positive and supportive home for committed activists working to preserve forests, protect our climate and uphold human rights through our campaigns across the globe.”
Another successful unionization effort will be welcome news for the 60% of US adults who believe that the decline of unions has been bad for the country, according to Pew Research Center. RAN has long been a supporter of organized labor — a historic cornerstone of the progressive movement in the United States. A core value at RAN is a commitment to fairness and equity that demands community partners, allies and colleagues are always treated with honesty, respect and dignity.
The successful agreement to a contract between the parties demonstrates that Rainforest Action Network is fully committed to its values of respect and integrity, fighting for people and the planet, people power, racial justice, and social justice. It is notable that as articles were tentatively agreed to during the negotiating process, RAN agreed to implement these changes immediately whenever possible, rather than waiting for full contract ratification.
“Rainforest Action Network and its staff have reached a landmark union contract that secures fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions. This agreement reflects RAN’s deep commitment to justice and equity, not only in its global campaigns but within its own workplace. By living its values inside and out, RAN sets a powerful example for nonprofits everywhere,” said CWA 9415 Secretary, Jason Montgomery.
About CWA
The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.
About Rainforest Action Network
Rainforest Action Network preserves forests, protects the climate and upholds human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through frontline partnerships and strategic campaigns.