FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2025
 

New York, NY — Race Forward, a leading national organization dedicated to advancing racial equity and justice, announced today that it has voluntarily recognized the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW), UAW Local 2320, AFL-CIO, as the bargaining representative for its non-managerial employees.

This decision follows months of constructive dialogue, initiated by employees advocating for union representation. This is a major step that staff took to organize, with an overwhelming majority of non-supervisory staff in favor, joining a growing movement of nonprofits unionizing nationally.

Glenn Harris, President of Race Forward, stated: “After careful consideration and extensive conversations with our leadership and board, we are proud to voluntarily recognize NOLSW. This decision reflects our deep commitment to racial equity and justice. By embracing union representation, we continue to live our values, building a workplace that is inclusive and empowering for all.”

Unionization is a critical step in Race Forward’s ongoing mission to challenge systemic inequities. Voluntarily recognizing NOLSW aligns with the organization’s broader movement for social justice, acknowledging that fair treatment in the workplace is a vital component of that mission.

Christi Tran, Race Forward’s Board Chair, stated: “By recognizing the union, Race Forward demonstrates its commitment to respecting employees’ voices and ensuring that all staff can shape decisions that impact their working conditions.”

“Recognizing NOLSW is about fostering a culture where every employee feels valued and heard,” added Harris. “We look forward to working collaboratively with the union to negotiate our first collective bargaining agreement and to ensure this process strengthens our shared commitment to equity and justice.”

As Race Forward enters this new chapter, it remains deeply committed to fostering a workplace that reflects its mission. This partnership with NOLSW is a long-term investment in both employee well-being and organizational integrity. With this step, Race Forward reaffirms its dedication to leading by example in the fight for racial justice, building a more equitable future for all.

Race Forward will enter into good faith negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement covering wages, hours, and working conditions. These negotiations are expected to begin in early 2025.

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For media inquiries, please contact: Cheryl Blakemore, VP Communications, Race Forward at [email protected].