NEW YORK, NY, April 2, 2025 —Today, The Center announced our agreement to voluntarily recognize the Center Workers United, which is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 1180.

Our organization deeply values the dedicated work of our staff for the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of what each of us brings to our shared cause. The Center believes that empowering LGBTQ+ people and building a strong LGBTQ+ community are essential common goals and will work with the Union toward reaching a collective bargaining agreement as thoughtfully and expeditiously as possible.

This past year has been tumultuous and the future remains uncertain for our community. Recently, we’ve seen unionization efforts and internal conflicts fracture other organizations in the LGBTQ+ and social justice movements. We want to take a different path. This moment is an opportunity—an opportunity for all of us at The Center to live our values, strengthen our mission, and ensure The Center remains a vital resource for our community for years to come. 

“The Center’s success is driven by the dedication and talent of our staff, whose contributions are at the core of our mission to serve the LGBTQ+ community,” said Dr. Carla Smith, CEO of The Center. “We are proud to announce that we have voluntarily recognized the Center Workers United and are committed to a constructive collective bargaining process. The leadership team, board, and I are fully committed to working in partnership with the union.”

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