Defenders of Wildlife and Defenders United Celebrate Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Defenders of Wildlife, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring wildlife and critical habitat, and Defenders United, the union representing approximately 60% of Defenders’ staff, today are celebrating the ratification of a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

In late August, Defenders welcomed Andrew Bowman as president and CEO. With his arrival, Bowman ushered in a new era for Defenders and its talented staff. He committed to reaching a CBA with Defenders United by the close of 2024; ensuring all Defenders’ staff are well compensated at market rates; developing a top-tier benefits package to retain and attract top talent; and, improving the culture and cohesiveness of the organization.

Bowman and Defenders United bargaining committee fast-tracked negotiations to produce a comprehensive CBA that was ratified by a unanimous vote on December 11. The CBA optimizes staff compensation and establishes new benefits for all current and future staff.

“I am thrilled that over the course of my first 100 days at Defenders, we have been able to diligently engage in collective bargaining agreement negotiations that resulted in a final agreement of which we can all be proud,” Andrew Bowman, president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife said. “This agreement is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff who worked alongside management to secure this hard-won victory. With the negotiations behind us, and new political realities facing us, we will be bringing all our collective strengths and expertise to meet the challenges ahead and fulfill our mission as the last line of defense for wildlife and critical habitat across our country.”

“Defenders United readily embraces this long-awaited turning point for the dedicated staff who tirelessly work to conserve native species. This victory is a milestone, not only for the mission of Defenders of Wildlife, but for the well-being of our teams nationwide as we welcome better policies and stronger protections for staff. As we move forward, we will continue our vital work to protect wildlife with a renewed focus on our amazing team members, whose commitment to this cause is invaluable,” the Defenders United bargaining committee said in a statement on behalf of the unit.

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