Local 1101 Members at 'Blue State' Secure First Collective Bargaining Agreement

New York, N.Y. -- Employees at creative agency Blue State have voted to approve their first collective bargaining agreement. The agreement provides job security, structure and clarity for the workers, who are represented by Communications Workers of America Local 1101.

Provisions in the newly-signed contract include just cause termination, clarification of working hours and leave policies, salary minimums, and guaranteed annual raises. In addition, Blue State has agreed to a robust benefits package, including caps on health care premium cost sharing.

“With this agreement in place, we are on the path to a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the progressive values of our agency,” said Sabina Tarnówka, senior strategist, who, along with Shannon Kelly, designer, served as the union representatives on the bargaining committee.

"Through collective bargaining, our union was able to codify changes to improve our working conditions, and create an accountability structure so that issues are addressed fairly and quickly,” Kelly added.

“Every day, we help movements, people, and the organizations they lead hasten progress and drive collective action, and this work happens through the dedication and commitment of our team,” said Joe Rospars, Founder & CEO of Blue State. “We’re proud that Blue State is a union shop, and proud to continue to find ways to lead our industry and live our values out loud.” Along with Rospars, Executive Vice President Alia Hassan and General Counsel Meital Waibsnaider served as the Blue State representatives on the bargaining committee.

Blue State management voluntarily recognized the union in October, 2020. The group of approximately 80 people across accounts, analytics, content and campaigns, creative direction, design, finance, IT, media, office management, operations, partnerships, product, project management, strategic communications, strategy, talent acquisition, technology, user experience, and video teams, organized as part of the Communications Workers of America’s CODE-CWA initiative.

"I congratulate the bargaining committee on coming to a groundbreaking agreement that provides strong protections for the workers at Blue State,” said CWA Local 1101 President Keith Purce. “It shows the positive impact that employees can have when they join together to make change at their workplaces.”