Congressional Aides Gaining Momentum for Unionization

The Congressional Workers Union announced in a statement on February 4, 2022, that it would be attempting to unionize committees and offices in Congress.  An internal poll from the organization found that 91% of congressional aides want additional protections in their respective offices as staffers continue to fight for better working conditions. An Instagram account with nearly 70,000 followers called “dear_white_staffers” has led scores of former and current Hill staffers to anonymously share their experiences — with many stories highlighting endless workplace toxicity and negative stories. These personal accounts range from being overworked and underpaid to verbal abuse and sexual harassment.

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However, the exposure has led to long-overdue media traction, eventually allowing the movement to unionize while the account continues to offer staffers a chance to perpetuate the ongoing traction Congressional unionization efforts have received massive wins since the beginning of the year, mostly stemming from exposure, poor conditions, and inadequate compensation. Several notable members of Congress, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D- NY), have expressed their support for the unionization efforts. “On Capitol Hill, interns are often unpaid, many staffers don’t make a living wage, and lack of work protections can pave the way for unhealthy environments,” said Ocasio-Cortez.

The day before the CWU announced their efforts, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hinted that she would support a union for congressional staff at her weekly press conference. “Like all Americans, our tireless Congressional staff have the right to organize their workplace and join together in a union,” said her Deputy Chief of Staff, Drew Hamill. “If and when staffers choose to exercise that right, they would have Speaker Pelosi’s full support.”

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told CNN’s Manu Raju that “Leader Schumer believes that hard-working Senate staff have the right to organize their workplace and if they chose to do so, he would support that effort.”

A resolution will still need to be passed to allow Congressional staffers to unionize since the majority of Hill aides are prohibited to do so without one. If one is passed, 30% of workers will need to back the effort for an election to be called for. After that, a majority of workers must vote in favor of unionization to make the efforts a reality. With Capitol Hill’s immense gridlock, this will be no easy feat. A resolution, however, could be brought to the house floor as soon as this week, according to Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich), who has also been a key voice for staffers.