CONGRESSIONAL WORKERS UNION CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF PROTECTED RIGHT TO UNIONIZE AND COLLECTIVELY BARGAIN WITH H.RES.1096

Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Workers Union released a statement on the one-year anniversary of the passage of H.Res.1096 granting Congressional staff the right to unionize and collectively bargain for the first time in U.S. history. The resolution, introduced by Congressman Andy Levin and cosponsored by 155 members, passed the House of Representatives in a 217-202 vote.

“One year ago, the House passed H.Res.1096 granting House staff basic labor protections to organize and collectively bargain. For the first time in the history of Congress, the resolution ensured that our bosses could no longer fire, demote, or otherwise retaliate against us for organizing to form a union. 

“The Congressional Workers Union has since filed 18 union petitions, held elections, and won our first contract negotiated by Congressman Andy Levin’s staff. We’ve expanded our efforts to the Senate, where Senator Ed Markey’s staff was the first to seek voluntary recognition to unionize. 

“Following the MRA increase on the House side last year, CWU has supported Congressional staff bargaining with management to prioritize staff salaries and distribute raises equitably winning salary floors as high as $71,000. These raises have been life-changing for House staff. 

“We know that in order to best serve the American public, Congress must be a place where offices retain experienced staff with institutional knowledge—that starts with improving our pay and working conditions, and creating a system where there is fair and equal treatment. 

“Our union drive will continue to push for democratic and fair workplaces in Congress.” 

For a factsheet on the resolution, click here. 

Contact: CongressionalWorkersUnion@gmail.com

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