Bargaining Updates Around CWA - Law360, Tender Claws, and more

Law360

Members of the NewsGuild of New York (TNG-CWA Local 31003) who work at Law360 walked off the job yesterday to show parent company LexisNexis they will not tolerate threats at the negotiating table. The work stoppage comes after The NewsGuild of New York filed an unfair labor practice charge on behalf of the workers on Tuesday. During a bargaining session in November, LexisNexis representatives threatened Guild members with less favorable terms the longer negotiations continue. Regressive bargaining is a form of bad faith bargaining in which one side moves backwards, offering less on a proposal than they had previously offered.

Contract negotiations have been underway since November of 2022, and workers have been without a contract since December of the same year. After more than a year of talks, management has refused to respond (either at all or meaningfully) to proposals including sick time, parental leave, paid time off, and retirement.

“Law360 Union members work hard to make the company a success, and LexisNexis needs to recognize their contributions with good faith proposals that meaningfully address our concerns,” said Susan DeCarava, President of The NewsGuild of New York. “Anything less is unacceptable and will lead to further labor strife.”

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Tender Claws

Workers for video game developer Tender Claws, members of CWA Local 9003, reached a tentative agreement with the company after a ten-month negotiation. The negotiators utilized an “open bargaining model” where all workers of the bargaining unit were able to attend meetings and draft contract language. This led to higher-than-usual engagement in the process.

Amongst other wins, this contract will result in a formal structure for career progression, inclusive language for LGBTQIA+ workers, and new benefits including dental and life insurance, a 401k plan, and an education stipend for all union members. Another one-of-a-kind win: virtual reality breaks for employees.

In a joint statement, both Tender Claws management and union staff lauded the collaborative nature of the negotiation process. “We are so incredibly proud to have reached the end of this process,” said CWA Local 9003 member Robin LoBuglio, a game developer at Tender Claws. “Tender Claws workers have always taken care of each other. I am deeply grateful for my many amazing colleagues who worked hard to make this historic contract happen.”

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Rove Pest Control

Last week, call center workers in Minnesota entered into negotiations with Rove Pest Control, a first for the private pest control industry. Rove is a fast-growing company but workers have cited a lack of dignity, a sometimes chaotic work environment, and stagnant wages as reasons for high turnover and worker dissatisfaction.

CWA Local 7250 President Kieran Frazier Knutson summarized the negotiation strategy saying, “We will be making direct, realistic proposals aimed at raising the standard of living of our members, ensuring their health and well-being – and that of their families, protecting their dignity and rights on the job. Those that do the work, that make the company run, must share in its success.”

CWA Local 7250 Negotiations Team (left to right): Bruce Nielsen, Shari Wojtowicz, Greg Bute, Hector Capote, and Kasie Garcia. Rob Greer, COO of Rove Pest Control sits opposite, in blue.

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Open Society Foundations

Members of CWA Local 1180 who work at the nonprofit Open Society Foundations have reached a tentative agreement to secure the rights of workers as the organization goes through a reorganization.

The tentative agreement will extend the current contract for one year, with important new protections, raises and bonuses for the dedicated staff whose work supports community groups advancing justice, education, public health, and independent media around the world. Members will receive a 4% increase, a $2,773 bonus, and a $2,000 ratification bonus. In a model for humane layoff practices in a challenging economy, the workers also won a guaranteed 4.5 months and up to 18 months of severance pay, including a $10,000 payment in recognition of service for members who have given 12 years or more to the organization.

The bargaining committee celebrates after reaching a tentative agreement with Open Society Foundations.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.