Statewide anti-poverty group Alabama Arise recently announced that it has reached a successful collective bargaining agreement with the Communications Workers of America and the organization’s staff union Alabama Arise Workers United.
Arise’s leadership has supported staff unionization and labor negotiations since 2023, when Arise staff unanimously signed union authorization cards to join CWA Local 3908. The organization voluntarily recognized the union, reflecting the pro-worker values which it emphasizes in its own advocacy work.
“This milestone reflects a collaborative, values-driven negotiation process and a shared commitment to justice, equity and dignity in the workplace,” reads Arise’s official press release announcing the new agreement. “The agreement, which the union members ratified unanimously, formalizes a strong foundation of mutual respect and solidarity between Arise leadership and AAWU-CWA members. It preserves longstanding workplace practices that support staff well-being and introduces key advancements that will enhance transparency and equity across the organization.”
In addition to guaranteeing many benefits already provided to Arise staff, the organization announced that the contract will also provide pay raises, 20 weeks of paid parental leave and paid time off increases. AAWU-CWA’s bargaining unit members voted unanimously in support of the agreement, a first for CWA’s District 3.
“This is what collective bargaining should look like,” said Andrell Hubbard, CWA’s District 3 staff representative. “It’s about partnership, listening and building workplaces where everyone can thrive. We’re excited about this model and what it means for movement organizations in the South.”
Arise staff and union members were emphatic about their support for the new contract.
“We’re thrilled to have reached this agreement,” said Whitney Washington, an Alabama Arise communications associate and an AAWU-CWA member. “Our values as an organization call us to live out our principles not just in our advocacy but in how we support one another as coworkers. This contract is an example of that.”
“Our members are proud of what we’ve achieved,” added Adam Keller, Alabama Arise’s worker power campaign director and an AAWU-CWA member. “This contract honors the strengths of Alabama Arise’s existing workplace culture while taking meaningful steps to strengthen fairness, job security and staff input.”
Arise leadership echoed their staff’s enthusiasm, praising the terms of the agreement.
“We see this agreement as a continuation of our mission as an organization that works to build a better, more inclusive Alabama for all,” said Alabama Arise Executive Director Robyn Hyden. “This contract protects so much of what makes Alabama Arise a great place to work, and it is one more way we’re walking the walk on the values we advocate for every day.”
“Arise leadership and AAWU-CWA members look forward to continuing to work together to advance policy changes to improve the lives of workers across Alabama and to deepen a workplace culture rooted in respect, democracy and shared purpose,” Arise’s press release concludes.
