In May 2024, the staff at District of Columbia International School (DCI) made history by successfully unionizing and winning their election. The DCI Staff Union, now part of DC ACTS, is currently in the process of bargaining their first labor contract. This significant achievement represents a critical step toward ensuring fair treatment, job security, and a voice in shaping the workplace.

Unionizing charter school staff is more than just negotiating wages and benefits—it’s about doing away with at-will employment and ensuring that all staff members are treated equitably and fairly. Through unionization, charter school employees can codify important language that fosters equity and builds a stronger sense of community, aligned with the school’s shared vision and values. This collaboration helps to ensure that everyone—teachers, staff, students, and the community—benefits from a more supportive and inclusive environment.

By coming together, the DCI Staff Union is not only advocating for themselves but also setting a powerful example for other charter schools on the importance of worker solidarity and the protection of rights for all staff.