Important Announcement
Social Policy Workers United (SPWU), the workers union of MDRC, is beginning a three-day Unfair Labor Practice Strike against MDRC today with a 10:30 am walkout. Please find our official press release attached and our strike launch video HERE.
They will hold time for press questions today at 12:30 pm ET at the NYC picket location (200 Vesey Street).
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In a time when the conversations around unions are gaining momentum, driven by a wave of strikes and an increasing awareness of workers’ rights, our latest episode of the Well Aware Podcast with Jalen Alexander offers an insightful and deeply personal look into the world of unionization. As the union president and a passionate advocate for workers’ rights at MDRC, a social policy research firm, Jalen shares his journey and the transformative impact of unionization on the workforce.
The Path to Unionization
Jalen's story begins at MDRC, where despite the firm’s focus on combating poverty and promoting economic research, a significant number of its own staff were facing financial challenges, with some even earning below poverty wages. This stark contradiction within an organization dedicated to improving social policies and economic mobility led to a groundswell of support for unionization among its employees.
The unionization process was grassroots at its core, with Jalen and a committed organizing committee reaching out to their colleagues, sharing their vision for a fairer workplace, and tirelessly working to gain the supermajority needed to form a union. This monumental effort culminated in 2021 when the workers at MDRC, under the banner of Social Policy Workers United, successfully petitioned management to recognize their union.
Impact and Achievements
The union’s efforts have already yielded significant changes at MDRC. Before negotiating their first contract, they succeeded in establishing a salary floor of $50,000, elevating some employees' wages by as much as $12,000. This victory, while a substantial improvement, is only the beginning of our campaign for fair wages and benefits.
This episode sheds light on the broader implications of unionization, not just for MDRC but as a symbol of what Workers United can achieve across sectors. The discussion with Jalen explores the challenges and victories of organizing, the negotiation process, and the profound sense of empowerment that comes from advocating for equitable treatment in the workplace.
Reflecting on the Well Aware Experience
As the CEO of Well Aware, I reflect on my own company's practices and the complexities of managing a team of virtual assistants and other contract workers. Through my open and candid conversation with Jalen, I contemplate the fiscal logic between cost-saving measures and the responsibility to offer fair compensation. This introspection is a testament to the thought-provoking nature of our dialogue and the potential ripple effects it may have on businesses listening to our conversation.
A Call to Action
Jalen's parting thoughts emphasize the importance of listening to workers and valuing their contributions, advocating for a corporate culture that fosters open dialogue and feedback. By highlighting the disconnect between seeking top-tier talent and failing to offer competitive remuneration, he challenges businesses to reevaluate their definition of competitiveness, urging a shift towards investment in human capital as the true driver of success.
This episode of the Well Aware Podcast offers a compelling look into the journey of unionization from the perspective of those at its heart.
Jalen Alexander’s experience and insights serve as a powerful reminder of the impact collective action and solidarity can have in advocating for workers' rights and fostering meaningful change in our workplaces.
For those inspired by Jalen's story or interested in the movement behind Social Policy Workers United, more information can be found at socialpolicyworkersunited.org.
Whether considering unionization in your workplace or seeking to understand the intricacies of the process, Jalen and his team’s journey offers invaluable lessons on the power of unity and the importance of fair and equitable treatment for all workers.
Watch the second episode of the Well Aware Podcast with Jalen Alexander here:
You can also tune in via Libsyn at: https://sites.libsyn.com/525988/supporting-workers-rights-understanding-unionizations-impact-with-jalen-alexander
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