NCTE United, in union with NPEU, will be voluntarily recognized by NCTE in a historic move for the organization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katie Barrows, NPEU, kbarrows@npeu.org, 360-624-6936; David Farmer, NCTE, press@transquality.org, 207-557-5968
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2021 - The staff of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has joined together in a union with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) to form NCTE United. NCTE United has requested recognition, and the NCTE Board and management have unanimously approved using a neutral card-check process for voluntary recognition
NCTE advocates for change in policy and society to create a better world for transgender people. The vision for NCTE is to achieve a society that not only respects transgender people but allows them to thrive and be free from discrimination and violence.
“By unionizing, it will send a message that NCTE is transforming into an equitable workplace that promotes the liberation of all transgender people.” said members of NCTE United. “We are optimistic that NCTE will be a better place to work and allow all staff to thrive within their respective positions. Lastly, we cannot be more grateful for the former staff who left in 2019. Their hard work and advocacy set a precedent for NCTE to stand in solidarity with all transgender people, especially transgender people of color. Without their tenacity, we wouldn't be able to open this new chapter at NCTE.”
“Congratulations to NCTE United,” said NPEU President Katie Barrows. “It took courage for NCTE’s staff to organize for a voice in the new chapter of the organization. NCTE United represents the tenacity and resilience of working people, and we are proud to stand with them. We are glad NCTE management has chosen to work collaboratively with their staff union to rectify past injustices and look forward to signing a voluntary recognition agreement.”
“The National Center for Transgender Equality supports the employees right to form a union and believe that by voluntarily recognizing their efforts we will become a stronger organization and a more successful advocate for social justice,” said Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, NCTE’s executive director. “We look forward to working in good faith toward a successful first contract.”
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 40 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.