CIEL staff union, CIEL Unite, has received voluntary recognition and will commence the collective bargaining process to create a contract. The union’s goals are to advocate for staff interests, strengthen internal solidarity, and promote CIEL’s mission of environmental protection, human rights promotion, and seeking a just and sustainable society.
“For over 35 years, CIEL has been at the forefront of advocating to ensure that human rights are at the cornerstone of environmental law,” states the CIEL Unite organizing committee. They add that the union will focus on the principles of equity, justice, compassion, empathy, and respect. “We look forward to working with CIEL leadership at the bargaining table and to finding creative solutions to advance core values,” they said.
CIEL President and CEO Rebecca Brown expressed strong support for the union. “Directed by those principles in action, CIEL management immediately and enthusiastically indicated its support for CIEL Unite, and we are proud to reach voluntary recognition so quickly,” she remarked. Brown highlighted the commitment of CIEL staff and anticipated a constructive bargaining process.
The union comprises attorneys, campaigners, communications specialists, along with administrative and development staff from the United States and Switzerland. The card count was verified by Paul Kelly of the Labor Guild, while updates on the union’s activities can be followed on Instagram and BlueSky.
