LOS ANGELES — Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization and the staff union, Equality Unites, are proud to announce that the ratification of their first union contract was completed on June 22, 2023. Equality California voluntarily recognized the union in October 2021. This contract marks the end of negotiations and the first collective bargaining agreement with employees and representatives from CWA Local 9003.
“We are thrilled to have reached an agreement that supports our employees and reinforces the vision of equality we are fighting for. Our agreement today reinforces our commitment to our staff and recognizes the value each of them bring to the organization,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “Equality California is proud of our longstanding partnership with organized labor and our pro-worker values, and we’re committed to working collaboratively with our employees as we continue advancing full-lived equality.”
“After a little over 1.5 years of bargaining, we reached a tentative agreement on a contract with Equality California leadership on April 19, 2023,” said Equality Unites. “With a unanimous vote of YES from the Bargaining Unit, our first contract was ratified on June 22nd. We are thrilled with the strides towards pay equity and a flexible work environment that this contract provides to our members over the next three years.”
“CWA Local 9003 is proud to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with Equality California. After a year and a half of bargaining, we are pleased to have ratified an agreement that recognizes and values the hard work and dedication of the employees,” said CWA Local 9003 President Marisa Remski. “The three year agreement includes substantial improvements in the areas of wages and benefits as well as enhancements to their working conditions. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Equality California that supports and appreciates the contributions of its employees.”
With ratification of this contract, members of the union will receive immediate pay increases and a comprehensive benefits package that includes longevity bonuses and additional time off for sick and family leave. Contract highlights include:
Guaranteed annual salary increases for staff, and an increase of the salary floor by 22%;
Increased paid holidays and the addition of new floating holidays, personal days and time off for political participation
Increased vacation time, sick time, and bereavement leave;
Increased paid parental leave to 12 weeks;
Longevity bonuses for every two years of continuous full-time employment
A professional development reimbursement fund per employee on an annual basis;
Commitment to continual improvement of the organization and staff by establishing a formalized equity committee and mentorship program.
###
Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org
Equality Unites is made up of Equality California’s bargaining unit employees working to make the organization stronger by promoting equity and solidarity among our employees! We first announced our intent to unionize on July 29, 2021 with 74% support from the bargaining unit. On June 22, 2023 our bargaining unit voted UNANIMOUSLY to ratify the contract. We are delighted to join CWA 9003. Learn more about our journey to ratification here: twitter.com/EqualityUnites
