ACLU of Virginia, Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035 formalize first collective bargaining agreement

RICHMOND, VA – The ACLU of Virginia and the Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035 ratified their inaugural collective bargaining agreement this month, marking the first union contract for ACLU of Virginia employees in a major reaffirmation of the people-first values that guide the ACLU of Virginia.

The ACLU of Virginia voluntarily recognized its employees’ union on November 19, 2021. Since then, staff and management have worked together to craft a collective bargaining agreement that will steward one of the oldest state affiliates of the ACLU and its ability to fight alongside our brave clients, trusted partners, and with activists across the Commonwealth to protect people’s rights.

Some highlights of the three-year contract agreed to by ACLU of Virginia Bargaining Unit and the ACLU of Virginia include:

• Immediate increase in base salary for all employees
• Annual step-up increase in pay for the term of the contract
• Six additional guaranteed holiday paid time off days, including two floating holidays
• A month-long sabbatical available once staff reach their five-year work anniversary
• A monthly Wi-Fi stipend
• A quarterly Wellness stipend to encourage self-care
• A monthly student loan relief allowance
• The establishment of a professional development fund to augment the existing stipend received by each staff member
• The formation of a labor management committee to collaboratively address and solve issues
• A renewed commitment to equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination

In response to the significant milestone the ACLU of Virginia reached in ratifying its first collective bargaining agreement on October 11, 2024, ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Mary Bauer released the following statement:

“This collective agreement to ensure that our team rises together is a direct reflection of the work we do at the ACLU of Virginia. Our staff should have no less than what we fight for in our communities every day: liberty, justice, equity, inclusion, and dignity for all people. We are confident that this collective bargaining agreement will provide just that, while making sure our values and practices continue to align in support of our critical work in the Commonwealth.”