The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 2, signed an inaugural collective bargaining agreement on July 16. 

In a signing ceremony at NDI’s Washington headquarters, NDI President Derek Mitchell heralded the agreement, and thanked those whose hard work led to its completion. 

“The [bargaining] process has made us stronger as a team, through our joint efforts ... to promote a more fair, equitable, and just workplace that is more diverse and respects everyone equally -- in other words, helps us live our values,” said Mitchell. 

“What the bargaining unit and NDI leadership have accomplished together is an achievement for the betterment of the institute, and we hope that everyone can be proud that NDI has a union,” said Alyson Beermann, who represented NDI staff during the process. 

“This is a great new shared opportunity for NDI to live its values of accountability, inclusion, and transparency, and we are excited to turn the page and begin the next chapter of collaboration as we implement the agreement.”

The newly signed agreement affects more than 200 staff in NDI’s Washington headquarters. 

“We do the work we do in a common and unceasing effort to advance our vision of a world where democracy prevails, with dignity for all,” said Mitchell, adding, “We have always known that NDI’s most important asset and greatest strength are its people.”

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NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.