Code for America, or CFA, is an organization working to bridge the technology gap between government and the private sector. In an unusual move for white-collar employees, the group recently decided to unionize. More than three quarters of the organization's workers support the idea.

The group, which creates tech products for governmental agencies, will Join Opeiu Local 1010. Majority support for unionization doesn't necessarily indicate job dissatisfaction, at least in this case. Workers acknowledge their better-than-average pay in comparison with other nonprofit groups. They also, as a group, enjoy what they do.

Yet 62 people, or 77 percent of employees, signed authorization cards to signal their support for the move. The main reason cited for wanting to join OPEIU is the desire for a greater voice in major business decisions. They feel that the move would empower them to breach the staffer-management barrier. Contributors would have a say in decisions that affect them individually and as an organization.

It took about a year for the unionization movement to really take hold at Code for America. Initially, some skeptics cited management's willingness to accept employees' input on decisions involving policy as a reason not to unionize. They simply didn't see a need. However, those holdouts were finally convinced that joining a union would eliminate the need to go through management in order to have a say in important matters.

A desire for more bargaining power as a group motivated other tech companies to unionize as well. Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and app development company Glitch recently became involved in unionization and collective bargaining. CFA says that it's their competitive compensation that empowers them to give others a voice. Their higher salaries show that working at a nonprofit doesn't have to mean getting paid less than you're worth.

While their pay exceeds the average income for nonprofit workers in similar positions, CFA plans to fight for better compensation and more control over promotions. They may even prioritize bargaining for a seat on the board. Employees also say that unionizing aligns with their mission to build tech for people. While the union awaits recognition of workers' efforts by CFA management, employees say they're confident they could win an election if necessary. For more information click here https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/4/22607889/code-for-america-employees-unionizing.