Employee Testimonials

On Friday, December 5th, EDF Staff sent 120+ messages asking EDF Leadership to voluntarily recognize us!

“Happy Friday EDF! Like many of you, I was disappointed to see that the Executive Management Team has chosen not to promptly recognize the EDF staff union. We still hope that they will side with the supermajority of staff that have signed union cards by choosing to voluntarily recognize the union, rather than be forced to through a protracted NLRB-run election. We believe voluntary recognition can start us down a collaborative and cooperative path towards a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Throughout the day, dozens of our colleagues will chime in to tell all of EDF why they support a staff union. We believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant - only by sharing our stories and being open with each other can we build a better EDF.”
— Sasha A.

“This statement from our website really stood out to me when I applied for my role: ‘To build more effective solutions, we must ensure that all staff from all backgrounds have the opportunity to advance and thrive.’ I feel proud to work at a place that is committed to making everyone feel included, and where so many of my colleagues are passionate about improving our workplace. That is why I’m joining my colleagues in requesting that the Executive Management Team voluntary recognize EDF Together, our worker union!” 
— Shauda I.

“It's not too late for the Executive Management Team to recognize the EDF Together union! Hundreds of EDFers have already made their voices heard, and voluntary recognition would reaffirm our shared values while providing the smoothest path forward.”
— Union Supporter, MarComm

"I am so fortunate to work at an organization where so many people are committed to improving our workplace every day. I believe we should be using every lever at our disposal to increase organizational effectiveness, transparency, and inclusivity. I have met so many folks here who want to bring their full skillset to the table, who are curious about how EDF operates, who want to find the ways that work, together. A labor union is an important piece of the puzzle to bring that opportunity to every worker. This is why I am asking the Executive Management Team to voluntarily recognize EDF’s workers union, EDF Together. Your workers want to talk to you! Let’s meet at the table!” 
— Maximilian S.

“When I joined EDF, I was lucky enough to have two job offers: one from EDF and one from another terrific organization. I chose EDF because of the people I interviewed with, and I've never regretted that decision. I want all my colleagues to feel the same everyday joy that I feel when showing up for work. Because we're at our best when diverse perspectives are shared and heard, I'm hopeful in standing with my colleagues for voluntary recognition of EDF Together.” 
— Karin O.

“I'm standing with my coworkers in support of the EDF Together union because the people are the best part about working at EDF! A union will give staff a seat at the table and make our workplace better for everyone. I hope EDF chooses to voluntarily recognize the union representing hundreds of EDFers who've voiced their support!” 
— Sophie O.

“Most of us spend a third of our time at work. The workplace is an opportunity to advance a shared mission, build community among a diverse group, and maybe even pick up new skills that we can take back home with us, too. I’ve been proud to work at EDF for the past four years, so I’m joining EDFers today who are showing up for each other to build a better workplace for all of us. I hope that the EMT voluntarily recognizes EDF Together” — Austin H.

“To me, the union represents the belief that we can always strive to improve the world around us through collaboration, trust, and solidarity! There are so many passionate and committed workers at EDF who have signed cards and demonstrated our support because we care deeply about our organization and mission — respecting our collective voice supports and empowers us. Executive management should choose to voluntarily recognize the union, so we can all begin to build a better EDF, together” 
— Leanna T.

“I'm so grateful for my amazing coworkers at EDF, which is why I'm calling on executive management to voluntarily recognize EDF Together! I'm excited to find the ways that work to codify our existing benefits, build systems of transparency across the organization, and lift up all staff. I agree with colleagues that we deserve the same fairness, transparency, and respect that our donors expect from EDF.” 
— Union Supporter, Development

“Why do I support the union? Among other reasons, my beloved grandpa was a huge union man! After serving in the Navy in WWII, my grandpa became an airplane mechanic for Allegheny Air, which later became USAir. He was a leader in his union for many years - the IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) in Washington, DC. 

He often spoke about his union when I was young - he loved being a part of it. I remember he'd always sign up to work holidays, because he loved the extra pay that his union negotiated for holiday volunteers and said "we just play poker most of the day."  We'd have Christmas dinner later in the evening than my grandma preferred so my grandpa wouldn't miss it!

I hope that EDF will voluntarily recognize EDF Together, respecting the generations who came before us and how hard they fought to unionize. 

My grandpa would be so proud to know that I'm becoming a member of a union. Knowing that unions fight for fairness and equity amongst workers, for pay transparency, and protecting our benefits is icing on the cake. Love you gramps!”

— Union Supporter, Development

“I left academia to join EDF, because I wanted to do impactful work alongside inspiring people. That's also why I support EDF Together: I want my colleagues and our organization to thrive! When we have strong protections, open communication, and real agency, we’re able to focus our energy where it matters most. We’re all deeply committed to EDF’s mission, and the union will give us the support we need to keep showing up and carrying it forward. Voluntary recognition is the next step in honoring that shared commitment, and I'm hopeful leadership can see that. Let’s move forward, together!” 
— Jocelyn L.

“Let's be honest - this is a really difficult time to work in this field. Despite the challenges we face, my colleagues are resilient, passionate, and steadfast, and I am constantly inspired by the work that gets done every day.  That's why I'm proud to support EDF Together - we need collective care now, more than ever. EDF is its people, and every staff member deserves respect and stability during these trying times. I join my colleagues in urging leadership to voluntarily recognize EDF Together so we can work together to make EDF the best it can be, for everyone” 
— Sarah H.

“I'm still hopeful that the EDF Executive Management Team will voluntarily recognize EDF Together! Voluntary recognition shows good faith by acknowledging the hundreds of EDFers who have demonstrated their support of this staff-led effort. It allows us to start working towards a contract promptly, without delays. Leadership at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) voluntarily recognized their staff union on the day staff launched it. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) voluntarily recognized their union only a few days after the request was made. I'm excited for our leadership to join the ranks of pro-union environmental nonprofits and to demonstrate their support of staff by voluntarily recognizing EDF Together!”  
— Jess P.

“I feel genuinely lucky to have found a role here that so closely aligns with the work I care about and to do it alongside such incredible colleagues. This week, and especially all day in this Slack channel, we’ve seen remarkable coordination, creativity, productivity, and solidarity across the org. It’s clear how deeply we’re invested in our mission and in one another. I hope EDF recognizes what so many of us are expressing clearly: we want a union. I’m joining my coworkers in calling on EDF to voluntarily recognize EDF Together.
— Union Supporter, Healthy Communities