Democracy North Carolina Non-Profit Workers Win Union Election in Landslide Vote

Morrisville, N.C. — On Monday, June 17, 2024, workers at Democracy North Carolina celebrated winning their union election by an overwhelming number. The vote passed with 100 percent support for the union. The decision reflects workers’ commitment to fostering a more equitable and fair workplace where workers have power to shape their workplace experiences. A group of employees, consisting of a large portion of staff, announced the decision to unionize in April 2024. Leadership has agreed to recognize the union represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

“I just believe in unions. I believe in the principles behind them: in collective organizing and bargaining, and so I think it makes so much sense for us [Democracy NC] to unionize the workplace,” said Kellie Williams, Western Piedmont Regional Organizer.

For a voting rights advocacy non-profit over 30 years old, unionizing is a demonstration of workers walking out the values of the organization, namely equity, community-based leadership, empathy, and bold action. "This work unit has marched to the beat of the solidarity drum from the beginning. It has been such an honor to work with them. The workers are unified and ready to bargain their first contract," said Christina Ronk, District Organizing Coordinator with CWA.

"We congratulate the workers at Democracy NC for standing together and joining CWA. Every day, the staff of Democracy NC fight to protect our right to have a voice and vote in our democracy. By unionizing, they have championed workplace democracy and the right to have a collective voice on the job. Their example is an inspiration to workers across the South," said MaryBe McMillan, President, North Carolina State AFL-CIO.

“Democracy NC has a longstanding reputation for advocating for the voices of people in our larger society,” said Desmera Gatewood, Program Manager of Nonprofit and Direct Service Engagement. "Joining and forming a union alongside my comrades on staff is the least I can do to pay homage to and continue the impact of the labor movements that directly informed every right that I have in the workplace.”

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About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

cwa-union.org @cwaunion