UPDATE May 12, 2023 - After collective action and public pressure, Code for America has returned to the bargaining table. However management is refusing to bargain over economics (like parental leave and PTO) which creates real barriers to our ability to finish our contract and leaves a number of our colleagues in a state of uncertainty. We are still waiting for CFA to bargain in good faith, over all proposals, and uphold our rights to union representation.

Every worker deserve the legal rights and protections of a union. The staff of Code for America is no different. These workers organized a union at Code for America (CfA) because they want a collective bargaining agreement that provides a real voice at work; secures improved benefits, job security, and stability for themselves and their families; and allows them to be part of systems change not only in government, but also in the labor movement.

I have read the Open Letter CFA Workers United has penned to CfA's CEO and board members, and I stand with Code for America Workers United and their demands for:

1. An immediate return to negotiations and commitment to bargain in good faith;
2. That management stop unilaterally denying workers their representation rights; and
3. That management provides proposals without undue delays that reflect both a desire to reach an agreement and reflect the organization's values, such as proposals around pay that reflects the rate of inflation, expanding flexible work week policies, benefits, and seniority.

It is unacceptable that CfA has responded to the staff's collective efforts to improve the organization through unionization by taking away existing benefits, attempting to profoundly restrict union membership (and associated protections and benefits), and otherwise behaving in ways that disrupt the focus and trust that are critical for both the staff's work and well-being. It is also deeply concerning that significant organizational funding and capacity have been used to combat the union's efforts instead of to support employees, partners, and clients.