May 15, 2018 – Organizing staff at New Jersey Communities United, a grassroots organization that builds power for working-class communities and communities of color, have joined The NewsGuild-CWA as members of the Washington-Baltimore Local.

Management of the organization agreed to voluntarily recognize the union on May 14, after the staff announced their intention to form a union.

“We feel that we must embody the values that guide our vital work. We know that unions are the best tool workers have to achieve democracy, accountability, and dignity in their workplaces, and are ready to put that tool to use here, at New Jersey Communities United,” said Rebecca Mahabir, an NJCU Organizer.

Organizer Kyle Turley agreed. “In order to foster a culture of sustainability within this organization to which we dedicate so much of our ourselves, we intend to participate in discussions and decisions regarding the direction and growth of NJCU which means so much to each of us,” he said.

In a mission statement, NJCU staffers explained why unionizing is a natural extension of the principles that guide their work:

“New Jersey Communities United is a grassroots organization that builds power in working-class communities across New Jersey. We believe in leveraging our collective power to hold elected officials and corporations accountable for protecting our schools, homes and health. We also advocate that this power be used to improve our working and living conditions. Union and labor values are at the core of our work.”