News and Media

New York, N.Y. (May 1, 2020) – The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 members at Kickstarter voted tonight to ratify a lay-off agreement with the crowdfunding company after CEO Aziz Hasan announced sweeping layoffs of up to 45 percent of employees.

The agreement won by Kickstarter United (KSRU) members outlines a range of procedures negotiated by the elected bargaining committee to help members impacted by layoffs, including:

•  Four months of severance pay for all laid-off employees;
• Four months of continued healthcare coverage for employees earning more than $110,001;
• Six months of continued healthcare coverage for employees earning $110,001 or less;
• Release from non-compete agreement upon accepting severance; and
• Recall rights of one year for members to return to any forthcoming job opening within their “classification,” and a number of other provisions. 

In Response to COVID-19 Pandemic:
OPEIU Members and Families Can Complete Bachelor's Degree
for Free This Summer

Because of the current economic and health uncertainty facing many of our members, your union is making it possible for all students who enroll through the OPEIU Low-Cost Degree Program at Central State University this summer to complete their degree with no out-of-pocket costs.

OPEIU members who enroll in the term beginning June 22 can do so under the same terms as the OPEIU Free College Program. All new and continuing students who are enrolled this summer will be eligible for a Free College last-dollar scholarship, which allows students to complete their degree (through graduation) with no out-of-pocket costs for tuition, fees or e-books. This represents a savings of more than $9,000.