About Our Union: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does a progressive nonprofit like the Muste Institute need a union?

A: Unions are for everyone! The union provides both workers and management with a mutually agreed upon document to refer to, and a clear and transparent system to address concerns. This frees us up for all the important work we want to accomplish in service of the Muste Institute mission. The union also adds prestige and value to the benefit package that the Muste Institute offers, ensuring that we draw the best candidates when hiring for new positions.

Q: Are you underpaid or exploited? Why else would you feel a need to unionize?

A: For decades the Muste Institute has been providing its employees with fair pay and an unusually progressive benefit package. (Even part­time staff members get full health coverage, paid vacations and personal days, family leave, and pension contributions.) We unionized because we believe it's good for everyone when staff and management concerns are addressed through a fair and transparent process.

Q: Is this about some kind of fight with your boss?

A: Not at all. We respect Muste Institute Executive Director Heidi Boghosian and enjoy working with her. We are also encouraged by her 15 years of experience working collaboratively with a unionized staff as executive director of the National Lawyers Guild. With the union, we feel that our working relationships with Heidi, with each other, and with the board will be strengthened.

Q: Why an independent union?

A: For the moment, we don't feel that we need or want to affiliate with a larger union. We want autonomy to decide how we want to manage our union. We are grateful for advice and support from experienced labor movement organizers and lawyers. We see ourselves as part of the broader labor movement, and we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers from progressive unions of all sizes, as well as workers' centers and all workers struggling for justice.

Q: Can you really form a union with just three or four staff members, all part time?

A: Yes! You can even form a union with only two workers. And why not? The issues are the same, regardless of how many people are involved. We may be small in size, but we are large in passion and commitment. And the Muste Institute staff won't always be this small. We're taking this step for ourselves and for future staff members, too.

Q: What's next?

A: We will negotiate a strong collective bargaining agreement with the Muste Institute board, and hopefully inspire other nonprofit workers to organize. Wish us luck!

Got more questions? Email us at MusteStaffUnion@gmail.com