diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yaml b/.github/workflows/ci.yaml
index 2c5248145..a16472eef 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yaml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yaml
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ jobs:
         env:
           PR_BODY: ${{ github.event.pull_request.body }}
           PR_AUTHOR: ${{ github.event.pull_request.user.login }}
+          AUTHOR_ASSOCIATION: ${{ github.event.pull_request.author_association }}
         run: |
           # Skip for bots (dependabot, renovate, github-actions)
           if [[ "$PR_AUTHOR" == *"[bot]"* || "$PR_AUTHOR" == "dependabot" ]]; then
@@ -43,6 +44,12 @@ jobs:
             exit 0
           fi
 
+          # Skip for org members
+          if [[ "$AUTHOR_ASSOCIATION" == "MEMBER" ]]; then
+            echo "Org member ($PR_AUTHOR) — skipping linked issue check."
+            exit 0
+          fi
+
           if [ -z "$PR_BODY" ]; then
             echo "::error::PR body is empty. Every PR must link an issue or discussion."
             echo "Use 'Closes #<number>', 'Fixes #<number>', 'Relates to #<number>', or include a discussion URL."