Scholars Strategy Network Workers Win Union Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Katie Barrows, NPEU, kbarrows@npeu.org, 360-624-6936

BOSTON, Sept. 11, 2020 - The staff of Scholars Strategy Network (SSN) voted overwhelmingly to unionize with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) with 100% voting in favor. The result of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election, which was conducted by mail-in ballot, was certified today. 

“We are thrilled to announce that SSN staff has come together to organize with NPEU,” said SSN Union representatives. “As an organization working to strengthen democracy, we believe that a union aligns well with our mission and will make SSN a more effective and democratic organization. We look forward to bargaining with management in good faith for our first contract.” 

SSN employees announced their union and requested voluntary recognition in late June. Over 100 academics affiliated with SSN showed their public support for the union, acknowledging the value a union would bring to the organization and standing with SSN staff in their call for voluntary recognition. Despite this outpouring of support, SSN management did not voluntarily recognize the union, forcing SSN staff to file for an election with the NLRB. 

“Congratulations to SSN Union!” said NPEU President Kayla Blado. “We knew SSN staff would overwhelmingly win their union election and they did. We hope management will end their contract with Ogletree Deakins and engage with their staff directly during negotiations. We look forward to supporting SSN Union as they bargain for a strong first contract.” 

Next, SSN Union will negotiate a first contract with SSN management. SSN employees unionized to create a platform for all staff to participate in the organization and to build a more effective, democratic organization. Through collective bargaining they will be able to fulfill these goals. 

About NPEU:

The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, represents professionals employed at more than 30 nonprofit organizations (and counting), including employees at Economic Policy Institute, the Center for American Progress, and Community Change. With several hundred members, NPEU gives nonprofit workers a voice to strengthen their workplaces and continue to do work that makes a difference in people’s lives.