AAWU-CWA’s bargaining unit members voted 100% in support of the contract. That unanimity was a first for CWA’s District 3, which encompasses all right-to-work states in the Southeast. Both Arise and CWA described the bargaining process as respectful and solutions-oriented.
“Our members are proud of what we’ve achieved,” said Adam Keller, Alabama Arise’s worker power campaign director and an AAWU-CWA member. “This contract honors the strengths of Alabama Arise’s existing workplace culture while taking meaningful steps to strengthen fairness, job security and staff input.”
The contract locks in many benefits that Arise already provided staff. It also includes some powerful enhancements to those benefits.
“We see this agreement as a continuation of our mission as an organization that works to build a better, more inclusive Alabama for all,” Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden said. “This contract protects so much of what makes Alabama Arise a great place to work, and it is one more way we’re walking the walk on the values we advocate for every day.”
CWA officials echoed that sentiment.
“This is what collective bargaining should look like,” said Andrell Hubbard, CWA’s District 3 Staff Representative. “It’s about partnership, listening and building workplaces where everyone can thrive. We’re excited about this model and what it means for movement organizations in the South.”
Read our news release for more information on the agreement between Arise and AAWU-CWA.
