Commentary

WPP's Blue State Ratifies First Union Contract

Employees at WPP creative agency Blue State have voted to approve their first collective bargaining agreement. 

The agency and the union said 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, a designer at the agency, 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. 

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Blue State management formally recognized the union in October 2020. About 80 staffers organized as part of the Communications Workers of America’s Campaign To Organize Digital Employees initiative.   

Blue State Founder and CEO Joe Rospars said, “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 was formed in 2004 and acquired by WPP in 2010.

 

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