National Immigration Law Center Staff Celebrate Ratification of First Collective Bargaining Agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2024

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National Immigration Law Center Staff Celebrate Ratification of First Collective Bargaining Agreement

Staff at the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) are proud to announce the ratification of their first collective bargaining agreement. Negotiated in partnership with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), this agreement signifies a significant achievement in advancing the rights and working conditions of NILC employees.

“Reaching this historic agreement with the NILC Union is a shared win, not only for Union staff, but for all of us,” said Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center. “Through NILC’s work at the intersection of immigrant and economic justice, we support the crucial role unions play in building strong and effective workplaces. This agreement is the product of a strong collaborative relationship between the Union and management, and reflects NILC’s commitment to an equitable workplace where all employees can thrive. We are grateful for all the time and energy of so many staff members to ensure we arrived at this exciting milestone.”

“This collective bargaining agreement represents a tremendous victory for all NILC staff,” said Amy Chin-Lai, President of NPEU. “Through months of dedicated negotiation, we have secured critical protections and benefits that will profoundly impact the lives of our members.”

Key highlights of the agreement include:

• Wage Increases: Immediate 3% wage increase for all employees upon ratification, accompanied by a $1,500 bonus within 90 days of July 1, 2024.
• Structured Salary Bands: Introduction of transparent salary bands ensuring equity across departments and positions, with a minimum salary increase from $50,000 to $53,800.
• Job Security & Working Conditions: Enhanced job security measures, including protections against arbitrary termination, recall rights, and clear processes for performance improvement and performance evaluations.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Expanded benefits package featuring guaranteed paid parental and family leave, sabbatical opportunities, and improved bereavement leave policies.

“Our union is proud to have fought for and achieved a contract that sets a new standard for fairness, respect and equity at NILC,” commented Kat Lundie of the bargaining committee. “This agreement not only recognizes the hard work of NILC staff but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive, transparent and supportive workplace. This is the beginning of a new chapter for our organization and we look forward to building a stronger culture in partnership with NILC leadership.”

The agreement also includes provisions for increased transparency, flexible work schedules, generous time off during the summer months, and comprehensive training opportunities aimed at fostering a positive and more trusting work environment.

“We celebrate this milestone and look forward to improving the workplace at NILC,” added Chin-Lai. “By standing together, we have secured a brighter path forward for NILC employees and reaffirmed our commitment to advocating for immigrant rights.”

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Nonprofit Professional Employees Union: Heather Cushman, Data and Communications Organizer, [email protected].

About Nonprofit Professional Employees Union:

The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, represents employees at over fifty nonprofit organizations, including Food and Water Watch, the Brookings Institution, and Action Squared. With over a thousand members, NPEU gives nonprofit workers a voice to strengthen their workplaces and continue to do work that makes a difference in people’s lives.

About National Immigration Law Center:

Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.

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