Washington D.C.—Today, United We Dream and the United We Dream Workers Union are thrilled to formally announce they have signed and ratified their first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). As the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country, this is a historic moment for our staff and members and a firm recognition of the hard-work and dedication of our team to make United We Dream stronger and better for the future.
Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream, said:
“United We Dream staff is doing what we do best: tackling hard things while grounded in our vision for our people and shaking up the status quo. In the past year we have come together to engage in meaningful discussion, constantly push the needle forward and grow. Since the moment United We Dream first announced our voluntary recognition of the United We Dream Workers Union with Communication Workers of America (CWA), we have welcomed and celebrated the dedication, heart and care of everyone who has helped carry this unionizing process forward. This is a momentous occasion in United We Dream’s organizational history and a testament to all of our staff who have moved forward together in helping UWD evolve into an even stronger organization for the sake of building power with our members. United We Dream will continue to be committed to honoring workers’ rights and our staff’s rights and could not be prouder to sign and ratify our CBA.”
Ismael Melendez, UWD Staff Member and Representative of the United We Dream Workers Union, said:
“Today, we mark a historic moment as we celebrate the ratification of our first contract, signifying the end of intense bargaining. This milestone is a testament to the unity, determination, and resilience of our workers. Let this serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring other workers to stand together and fight for their labor rights. We are proud to take a step forward for the immigrant justice and labor movements to further protect all workers regardless of status, race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality, etc. Together, we have proven that anything is possible when we unite and demand fairness and respect in the workplace. “
Nancy Barrios, CWA District 6 Organizing Director, said:
“CWA is very happy to welcome United We Dream staff into our union. UWD does important work in the immigrant community and we are happy that they are now part of CWA with the ratification of their first contract.”
