U.S. Workers for EarthRights join SEIU Local 500.
March 31, 2023, Washington, D.C.–Today, EarthRights International management and the EarthRights United staff union, which represents workers in the organization’s Washington, D.C. office, began the process of collective bargaining. EarthRights management voluntarily recognized the union a month-and-a-half after staff announced their unionizing efforts.
Workers at the international climate justice and human rights organization announced their intent to form the EarthRights United union in February of this year in partnership with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500. EarthRights leadership pledged to voluntarily recognize the union for U.S. staff after a card check.
“We, the workers of EarthRights International, are proud of our work challenging corporate human rights abuses, supporting the work of human rights defenders globally, and taking on the worst actors in the climate crisis. We know that our labor is critical in helping EarthRights achieve its strategic vision of the future, and we’re proud to work for an organization that routinely achieves so much. In recognizing our union, EarthRights leadership has affirmed its commitment to our organizational values – defending everyone’s rights, including their workers – to promote global solidarity. We look forward to meeting management at the bargaining table and continuing to work together to build a more just world, ” said Audrey Schreiber, a representative of EarthRights United.
“Since our founding over twenty-five years ago, EarthRights has risen alongside frontline communities, demanding that their rights be respected and recognized,” said EarthRights Executive Director Ka Hsaw Wa. “EarthRights leadership also recognizes that systemic change starts with us. Our hard-working staff, who dedicate themselves to ensuring earth rights for all, deserve to have their voices heard and to work in a fair and equitable environment. We know that we are stronger together and look forward to partnering with the union as we continue our vital work to challenge the actors and institutions that violate our rights and destroy our planet for profit.”
The EarthRights union includes lawyers, communications specialists, campaigners, and development and global operations staff based in the United States. The card count was verified by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
EarthRights is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Lima, Peru.
Contacts:
Kate Fried, EarthRights International
kate.fried@earthrights.org
(202) 257.0057
Kayla Eaton, EarthRights United Representative
earthrightsunited@gmail.com
