Workers at Environmental Defense Fund Win Union Election, Forming the Largest Green Nonprofit Union in the U.S.

With over 80% of the vote — 352 yes to 84 no — this win marks a decisive victory for collective action at EDF

WASHINGTON — Today, workers at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) voted to unionize, with 80.7% of participants voting in favor of the union, EDF Together. This win follows over a year of staff organizing with the mission of championing the rights, well-being, and collective voice of workers at EDF.

“This victory validates the power of community care and affords us the opportunity to build on everything we love about working at EDF as we journey into the future united.” — Denise, Senior Coordinator

“At over 460 eligible employees, this will be the largest environmental nonprofit union in the US. When so many of our climate-defending institutions are under attack, seeing a new one get built fills me with tremendous hope.” — Maximilian, Senior Analyst

“Supporting staff from the ground up gives us the foundation we need in order to address the complex challenges of the climate crisis. With this result demonstrating a clear mandate from staff, my colleagues and I are excited to move swiftly into bargaining our first contract. ” — Jess, Program Coordinator

EDF Together went public on December 2 with a supermajority of support in union cards, and over 2,000 letters from the public were sent to EDF’s management team asking for voluntary recognition. Ultimately, the Executive Management Team chose to not voluntarily recognize the union and requested a private election. 

This win follows a long list of previous union wins at environmental nonprofits, including the Natural Resources Defense Council Union, League of Conservation Voters Union, and The Bird Union. 

EDF Together looks forward to beginning bargaining with EDF management promptly to secure a strong contract for members.