OEC and OEC Workers United Announce Renewal of Collective Bargaining Agreement

Emily Bacha, Vice President of Public Affairs, July 10, 2023

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Environmental Council and OEC Workers United have finalized contract negotiations and ratified a new three-year agreement as of June 28, 2023. The renewed contract was unanimously approved by both OEC’s Board and the members of OEC Workers United.

OEC workers successfully voted to unionize in August 2019. OEC leadership voluntarily recognized the union and began work with OEC Workers United, represented by SEIU-affiliate Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board (CMRJB) Workers United. The first collective bargaining agreement, which ran from June 2020 to June 2023, can be viewed here. The new agreement, which can be viewed here, will run from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. It includes an increase in the OEC’s minimum wage, additional paid time off, expansion of paid parental leave to twelve weeks, and flexible hybrid work policies, as well as many other changes designed to strengthen the organization and support its staff.

The following statement can be attributed to Carol Kauffman, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council:

“We are proud to renew our collective bargaining agreement with OEC Workers United. In the fight to secure clean air, vibrant public lands, safe drinking water, and a healthy democracy for all who call Ohio home, we must have workers who feel supported. We believe this agreement empowers staff in our joint fight and provides them with the resources to sustainably support Ohio’s environmental movement.

“The OEC is a proud, long-term partner of labor unions. The labor movement has been central to major advancements in the protection of people and the environment. We are proud to work with OEC Workers United to build an even stronger and more sustainable environmental movement.”

The following statement can be attributed Spencer Dirrig, President of Workers United Local 2843:

“We are thrilled to have unanimously ratified our new collective bargaining agreement with the Ohio Environmental Council. Workers United Local 2843 and OEC Workers United advocated for and achieved an increased minimum wage, more pay equity, extended sick and parental leave, and other benefits that will allow our colleagues to continue our work toward a more just and sustainable future. The collective bargaining process was made successful by the partnership of OEC Workers United with the Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United as well as the meaningful collaboration with the leadership of the Ohio Environmental Council.

“Together, we are creating a movement that centers equity and justice not just in our advocacy, but within our organization. We look forward to continuing the Ohio Environmental Council’s longstanding history of leading on environmental, social, and economic justice.”

Contact:

OEC: Emily Bacha, ebacha<at>theoec.org

OEC Workers United: Spencer Dirrig, SDirrig<at>theoec.org