We are
Social Policy Workers United.
We are a union of MDRC staff, representing workers across research and non-research departments. We are proud of the work that we do and strongly believe in MDRC’s mission to conduct rigorous research that drives evidence-based policy and societal change. We know that bringing democracy to our workplace is the best way to advocate for changes that can make us even better at what we do by creating a more just, equitable, and transparent place to work.
What's new with SPWU?
In August of 2024, SPWU members voted to ratify our first contract with MDRC. This hard-fought first contract secured important protections for members of the bargaining unit.
In March of 2025, MDRC laid off 39 members of the bargaining unit. On multiple occasions, HR staff indicated to impacted union members that they would negotiate specific aspects of separation agreements. After requesting that SPWU gather and organize information on requested changes to agreements, HR suddenly changed course, refusing to even meet with SPWU to bargain. Their bait-and-switch is not just pointlessly cruel but also an egregious violation of their collective bargaining obligations. In response, SPWU filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge on April 1, 2025. MDRC has not come back to the bargaining table. Read more about the ULP here.
In June of 2024, we had gone more than a year without raises, so we went on a ULP strike.
ULP Strike Timeline
May 1, 2024: SPWU file an Unfair Labor Practice charge against MDRC.
May 31, 2024: SPWU members vote and authorize a ULP strike.
June 6, 7, and 10: SPWU members go on strike.
