The members of the AAJCollective union began their strike after 18 months of negotiations failed to result in a first contract. Staff say they are fighting for guaranteed fair wages and a sustainable agreement that reflects the value of their work.
The union claims that management proposals would limit annual pay rises to 3%. They say the majority of employees would actually see increases of less than 2.5% per year under the current offer.
Union representatives argue these figures are insufficient. They pointed out that the current gap between the union’s demands and management’s offer amounts to less than $85,000 across a three-year period.
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Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is a national non-profit organization that was founded in 1991. Based in Washington, DC, the group acts as a prominent voice for the Asian American community. Its work primarily focuses on protecting civil rights through a mix of public policy advocacy, litigation, and community education. The organization frequently monitors legislation and provides legal analysis on issues such as voting rights, immigration, and racial justice to ensure equitable treatment for the fastest-growing population in the United States.
Spending and executive growth
Staff have expressed frustration over the organization’s recent financial decisions. They highlighted that AAJC spent more than $800,000 on external consultants in 2024.
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“Management has continued recent promotions and growth of executive leadership while denying reasonable proposals for staff salaries,” a spokesperson for the union said.
The collective stated they have scaled back their initial demands to try and reach a deal, but they claim management has not made a similar effort to compromise.
Calls for a fair deal
The strikers are calling on the organization’s leadership to return to the table and negotiate in good faith. They argue that the staff who keep the organization running deserve an economic package that offers genuine security.
The union is sharing updates on the situation through their social media channels as the walkout continues in the capital.
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