Below is a letter expressing support for congressional staffers in their efforts to form a union and bargain collectively for improved working conditions.

To respect signers' privacy concerns, we are accepting either a full name or initials to sign on to the letter. While the letter is intended to be from former Congressional Staffers, if you are not a former staffer but would like to show support, please provide your name (or initials) and select the appropriate response below.

We appreciate your support - solidarity forever!

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An Open Letter to Members of Congress:

We write today in strong support of the Congressional Workers Union (CWU) and their efforts to bring workplace democracy to the halls of U.S. democracy. As former Congressional staffers, we know firsthand the time, energy, stress, and labor involved in working on the Hill. Too often, though, this intensity can facilitate a volatile workplace and toxic environment marked by overwork, underpay, discrimination, abuse, and/or harassment. Despite all of this, Congressional staff remain committed to serving their communities, and the entire country, with pride and dedication.

A job in Congress should not require workers to forgo basic financial security or dignity at work. Decades of experience has proven that workers’ power to act collectively and bargain for better working conditions is one of the best ways to achieve a more equitable workplace and a more equitable society.[1]  Congress is no different. Additionally, nurturing a more respectful and rewarding workplace will benefit the communities members are elected to serve. Chronically low pay, abusive offices, and negligence to professional development contribute to a “Congressional brain drain” that weakens the capabilities of the institution.[2]

Therefore, we write to urge the swift passage of H. Res. 915 (and any comparable Senate measure), which would protect staffers from retaliation for organizing. Without this protection, staffers remain at risk of retaliation, chilling efforts to advocate for improved staff conditions. No staffer should be retaliated against for supporting a union, nor should they be subjected to pressure tactics to change their mind. Any member or senior staff who engages in such behavior must be held accountable.

Importantly, members can recognize staff unions even before such protections are in place. Thus, we urge any member who is presented with a petition for union recognition signed by a majority of their personal office or committee staff to recognize the union voluntarily and without delay. Furthermore, members and senior staff must commit to bargain in good faith with the union to ensure a just collective bargaining agreement is reached expeditiously.

It is incumbent upon members and senior staff to promote a positive workplace for everyone. Included in that are the internationally recognized fundamental rights to form a union and bargain collectively.[3] Members now have before them an opportunity to display their respect for the workers without whom Congress would cease to function.

We hope that members take on this responsibility with the seriousness and consideration it deserves.

                                                                                                 Sincerely,


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[1] See, How today’s unions help working people, Economic Policy Institute. (August 24, 2017).
[2] Congressional Brain Drain: Legislative Capacity in the 21st Century, New America (Sept. 8, 2020), https://www.newamerica.org/political-reform/reports/congressional-brain-drain/
[3] Int’l Lab. Org., Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, Section 2 (June 18, 1998),
https://www.ilo.org/declaration/thedeclaration/textdeclaration/lang--en/index.htm.