Press Release: Defenders United Moves Forward with Union Recognition

Washington D.C.— After being denied voluntary recognition yesterday by Defenders of Wildlife’s President and CEO, Jamie Rappaport Clark, a staff union, Defenders United, filed a petition today for an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Although over 75% of eligible staff have already signed union authorization cards in support of the union, the staff will be asked to once again express their support for their union during a secret ballot election with the NLRB.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 8, 2021

Media Contact: 
Defenders United - [email protected]
OPEIU - [email protected]

​Washington D.C.— After being denied voluntary recognition yesterday by Defenders of Wildlife’s President and CEO, Jamie Rappaport Clark, a staff union, Defenders United, filed a petition today for an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Although over 75% of eligible staff have already signed union authorization cards in support of the union, the staff will be asked to once again express their support for their union during a secret ballot election with the NLRB.

Below is a statement on behalf of the members of Defenders United: 
“We are disappointed by our CEO’s decision to not voluntarily recognize our union. Defenders United believes that we can best improve working conditions for employees and create a more inclusive workplace by collaborating with management. We had hoped that yesterday would mark the start of a successful partnership between our union and Defenders’ official leadership. However, management appears to have left us no choice. We filed a petition today for an election with the National Labor Relations Board and we are confident that a majority of staff will vote in favor of our union for the betterment of our organization.”
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Background:

• On the morning of June 8, Defenders United requested voluntary recognition from Defenders management. 75% of union-eligible staff have already signed union authorization cards authorizing the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) to serve as the bargaining unit’s representative in negotiations with management. 
• In an statement emailed to E&E News and later shared with staff, Clark responded publicly to the request by saying:
  • “Defenders of Wildlife staff are the heart and soul of our organization. Earlier today, we received a request for voluntary recognition from a union seeking to represent some of Defenders’ employees. We are taking this request seriously and are considering what the right path is for Defenders going forward to ensure all employees voices are heard.”
• However, within minutes of sending that quote to the media, Clark sent an entirely contradictory email to the union’s organizing team: 
  • “We are in receipt of your letter requesting voluntary recognition. Defenders of Wildlife will not voluntarily recognize Defenders United as the employees’ exclusive bargaining agent at this time, as we believe that it is imperative to provide employees with the chance to freely exercise their right to vote in a secret ballot election conducted by the NLRB. Accordingly, we insist that the Union file a representation petition with the NLRB if it wishes to further proceed.” 
• Only three hours passed between Clark’s receipt of the request for voluntary recognition and her near-simultaneous public statement on the request and private message to the union denying recognition.
• Defenders United has already received support from several members of Congress and unions at other environmental organizations. 
  • In response to Clark’s denial of voluntary recognition, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) sent letters of support urging Clark to reconsider her decision and to voluntarily recognize Defenders United.  
  • In these letters, the members strongly encouraged Clark to “believe in her workers and trust them as they try and strengthen their organization,” and asserted that “allowing your workers to collectively bargain by trusting their judgement can strengthen the relationship you have with staff and the services you provide to imperiled species.” 
• Management at almost every other environmental nonprofit which has had staff unionize has agreed to voluntarily recognize those unions, including at the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Friends of the Earth, Union of Concerned Scientists, Greenpeace, 350.org, Sunrise Movement, and the Center for Biological Diversity. The NLRB recognizes voluntary recognition as an equally valid form of seeking union representation and supports the rights of workers to utilize this pathway.