Alabama Arise Workers United (AAWU), Arise’s staff union represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), unanimously ratified its first contract in May. This was an exciting development after nearly a year of bargaining negotiations between CWA and Arise leadership. The process began after Arise leadership voluntarily recognized AAWU in 2024.

This contract locks in many benefits that Arise already provided staff. It also includes some powerful enhancements to those benefits. These include pay raises, 20 weeks of paid parental leave and an increase in paid time off.

Arise leadership has built an incredible organization beloved by members and staff alike. This contract protects so much of what is already great about Arise for the future.

What does this mean for you, an Arise member? It means our staff can stay healthy and protected as we fight for those same rights for other Alabamians. It also makes us better advocates, because many of us now have a stronger understanding of the labor movement. As Arise continues to support efforts to build worker power, it’s essential that we support organized labor.

We also hope this news encourages more of our members to consider what unionizing their workplaces could look like. Unions are one of the most effective ways to build power for regular workers – which is most of us.

Arise may not be the typical workplace that comes to mind when you think of organized labor, but let that be an inspiration. Starting a union doesn’t mean you hate your job or your boss. It just means you want more of a voice in your workplace.

Union members ratified our contract unanimously, and we have received nothing but support from Arise leadership. This agreement is just Arise’s next step in continuing to advocate for working people.