Oregon Tilth Workers United, an affiliate of OPEIU Local 11, filed the unfair labor practice charges for discrimination and status quo violation last month.
Corvallis, OR – Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 11, on behalf of its Oregon Tilth Workers United (OTWU) unit, filed two unfair labor practice (ULP) charges on November 18 against Oregon Tilth for breaking labor law.
The first ULP alleges that Oregon Tilth unilaterally changed the terms of conditions of employment during the “status quo” period without bargaining with the union. Specifically, the nonprofit implemented a new workload quota that is subject to discipline after telling workers that the standards were “experimental” and “a work in progress.”
The second ULP alleges that Oregon Tilth refused to promote a qualified staff member to a management role because they were a known OTWU supporter. Under the National Labor Relations Act, employers cannot discriminate against workers because of involvement in their union.
“Publicly, Oregon Tilth’s executive leadership team presents an image of cooperation with union members, but behind closed doors, they are not walking the walk,” said Mallory Gruben, OPEIU Local 11 organizer. “Actions speak louder than words. Filing these ULPs is our way to hold Oregon Tilth accountable for breaking the law, despite what the executive team says in team emails on social media.”
Oregon Tilth is a non profit organization that offers certification services, education, and advocacy for organic crop, livestock, wild crop and handling operations, as well as certifying to other standards including GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) Organic, LPO (Mexican Organic standards), Bee Better, Salmon Safe, and OPT Grassfed. Its employees work and live across the United States and Mexico.
Staff at Oregon Tilth won voluntary recognition of their union in March 2025 and began bargaining a first contract later that year.
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About OPEIU Local 11
OPEIU Local 11 represents nearly 1,800 employees across five states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. OPEIU Local 11’s members work in many settings, including local governments, offices, mental health care facilities, nonprofits, and utilities providers. Through OPEIU Local 11, employees have a voice on the job and an avenue to equality, fair treatment and economic security. Learn more online at OPEIU11.org.
Non-profit workers are some of the hardest-working, lowest-paid and most essential members of our community, which is why we’re proud to represent workers at nonprofits such as Oregon Tilth, Columbia River Mental Health, Columbia Wellness, and National Network of Abortion.