DALLAS, TEXAS — A supermajority of workers at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), known as IRC Workers Unite, OPEIU Local 277, are prepared to obtain their NLRB recognition and bargaining order following their employer’s refusal to recognize their union.

Two weeks ago, more than 70 percent of workers at the international humanitarian nonprofit requested from their employer voluntary recognition of their union with OPEIU Local 277. IRC denied the request for voluntary recognition and, per the NLRB’s recent ruling in Cemex, filed a request for an election with the NLRB. The nonprofit is now sending employees from outside Texas to hold anti-union meetings with IRC Dallas employees.

“We are disappointed by our employer’s decision to deny voluntary recognition of our union after demonstrating a supermajority of support among IRC staff,” said Alina Zarate, budget and planning coordinator, finance department at the nonprofit for one and half years. “But we are looking forward to winning our union through the NLRB and starting the collective bargaining process shortly thereafter.”

“We hope to swiftly begin negotiating a fair first contract that reflects IRC staff priorities such as equitable pay and transparency in funding,” Zarate said. 

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ABOUT OPEIU LOCAL 277

OPEIU Local 277 represents more than 10,000 members in the insurance industry, credit unions, aircraft manufacturing clerical and technical, nonprofit organizations and union offices. Local 277 negotiates and services more than 35 collective bargaining agreements.