The Bird Union--which has been fighting to bring the Audubon Society to the negotiating table following a successful unionization effort in 2021--are asking for supporters to share and sign the following Action Network letter, which will be sent to Audubon Society CEO Dr. Elizabeth Gray and other Audubon leadership. They write:
The Bird Union has been at the bargaining table for nearly a year, working to codify policies and practices in our collective bargaining agreement that will help make Audubon a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization.Audubon CEO Dr. Elizabeth Gray, through her bargaining chair, Athena Buenconsejo, has rejected even the most standard contract language found in numerous nonprofit shops. In doing so, she is disregarding research and management best practices that would help guarantee inclusion, support, and protection for all employees. On top of this, Audubon leadership has unilaterally cut workers’ healthcare benefits, pushing costs onto the organization’s most vulnerable staff while rejecting more equitable proposals produced by the union.
Dr. Gray and the Union agreed to bargain in good faith. Commitment to change is measured by action, not words.
We need your help to pressure Dr. Gray, Board Chair Susan Bell, and the Board of Directors to treat the hundreds of Audubon union employees with respect by getting serious about negotiating a fair contract. Tell them why you think it’s important to work with the union to improve our workplace, support our conservation work, and create a more equitable and inclusive environmental movement.