Staff at the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) and Land Stewardship Action Fund (LSAF) have formed a union with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 12 in pursuit of building a resilient organization that both internally and externally reflects our core values of stewardship, justice, democracy, health, and community.

Unfortunately, management has backtracked in their support of the union. Despite initially conveying voluntary recognition on Saturday, September 18th, two days later they requested that we remove three eligible union members from our bargaining unit: two Operations Support Specialists, Jenna Sandoe and Charles Spencer, and our Policy Manager, Amanda Koehler. These eligible union members were signed onto our original letter requesting voluntary recognition. Following receipt of the removal request, Jenna resigned, citing ongoing disrespect and her being targeted by management.

We are concerned by management’s request to deny union membership to these staff members for the following reasons:

• As an organization that builds power from the ground up, it is disappointing to see our management try to exclude the Operations Support Specialist roles from our union, as these staff members are essential to carrying out the day-to-day work of LSP, yet currently hold the least amount of positional power within the organization.

• The union contract is the only assurance of job security, fair pay and benefits, and a voice over working conditions. No eligible worker should be denied these rights.

• The position held by Amanda represents an entire tier of workers (called the “lead” tier) which would be the only opportunity for staff advancement or promotion under the union contract.

It is clear the decision-makers driving the exclusion of the Policy Manager and Operations Support Specialist roles do not understand the responsibilities associated with the roles of Operations & Support Specialist or Policy Manager. In fact, the decision makers sought exclusion prior to speaking with the direct supervisors of these roles.

As the organizers who work most closely with members to advance our mission for a food and farming system that is more sustainable and just, we deserve the decision-making power that comes with unionizing. We know that setting a strong course for the organization internally will allow us to thrive in our organizing work on the ground and realize our vision for the future. We also believe unionizing demonstrates the kind of democracy we envision for our communities.

It’s not too late for management to make the right choice and recognize our ENTIRE union, wall-to-wall. We urge you to support our unionizing efforts by signing our petition asking that LSP management recognize the Operations Support Specialist and Policy Manager positions as vital members of our bargaining unit.

In solidarity,

LSP Workers