For Immediate Release: September 1, 2025
BERKELEY, CA – The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) is proud to celebrate Labor Day this year by uplifting the one-year anniversary of DREDF’s Union going public. On September 3, 2024, a majority of DREDF staff, including administrative staff, education advocates, attorneys, fellows, and policy staff, came together to announce their intent to unionize with the United Auto Workers, Local 2320, the National Organization of Legal Service Workers. DREDF is an organization dedicated to advancing the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. Through the Union, DREDF embodies these values for clients and staff.
Labor unions have long protected the rights of people with disabilities, with unions increasing the wages of disabled workers by 30%. Workers’ rights and disability rights are undeniably intertwined, and DREDF staff formed its Union to ensure workers, especially workers with disabilities, have an equal voice at DREDF to protect their rights and thrive in their workplace.
Staff Attorney, Jillian MacLeod, an active member of the Union who currently sits on the bargaining committee, reflects: “Being part of the DREDF Union has been a very empowering and meaningful experience. Workers at DREDF unionized with the goal of collaborating with leadership to create a workplace that is grounded in the principles of Disability Justice. I am especially grateful to my colleagues for their hard work and participation in this process. Unionizing has brought us all closer together and has taught us so much about organizing and building collective power.”
On November 1, 2024, management at DREDF voluntarily recognized the Union. “A progressive, unionized workforce benefits the workplace,” says Michelle Uzeta, Interim Executive Director, who sits at the bargaining table for management. “Unions foster effective communication, enhance communication and play a crucial role in creating a more transparent, collaborative and efficient work environment.”
DREDF is currently in the process of bargaining the Union’s first contract. Management and the Union look forward to continuing to work together to create a more democratic workplace that improves the working conditions for all staff.
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Media Contact
Tina Pinedo
DREDF Communications Director
(510) 225-7726
media@dredf.org
About Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), based in Berkeley, California, is a national nonprofit law and policy center dedicated to advancing and protecting the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. Founded in 1979 by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF remains board- and staff-led by members of the communities for whom we advocate. DREDF pursues its mission through education, advocacy, and law reform efforts, and is committed to increasing accessible and equally effective healthcare for people with disabilities. DREDF supports legal protections for all diversity and minority communities, including the intersectional interests of people within those communities who also have disabilities.