National Audubon Society Charged with Breaking Labor Laws & Discriminating Against Union Members

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a complaint against the National Audubon Society for violating federal labor laws and unlawfully discriminating against its own employees for union membership. The complaint consolidates eleven instances when Audubon broke the law and violated the rights of its union workforce, represented by the Communications Workers of America (Bird Union-CWA Local 1180).

The NLRB has determined that, in contract negotiations with the Bird Union-CWA Local 1180 that have dragged on for more than two years, Audubon has violated federal labor laws, including by refusing to bargain over minimum salaries, making unilateral changes to healthcare benefits, and denying union members benefits that were given to non-represented staff.

The NLRB has identified a dozen different benefits that Audubon has granted non-union employees but denied to union-represented staff since the start of contract negotiations. The NLRB complaint described this discrimination as “inherently destructive of the rights guaranteed employees” by federal labor law.

“This complaint confirms what CWA has been saying for years: Audubon broke the law when it bargained in bad faith with its own dedicated staff,” said Gloria Middleton, President of CWA Local 1180. “This lawless behavior must stop, and it is time for Dr. Elizabeth Gray to join us at the table and bargain in good faith for a contract that strengthens this important organization, for the people and for the birds. Our members’ strength is in their solidarity, and they are ready to stand together for their rights as workers.” Read more here and scroll down to show your support at the Bird Union National Day of Action tomorrow!