Joining the America’s Work Force Union Podcast from the Congressional Workers Union are Taylor Doggett, VP of Communication, and Courtney Laudick, VP of Organizing, to discuss the work to unionize Congressional staff.
Doggett and Laudick discussed the moments that led to the organizing of the CWU. Starting during the pandemic, a growing number of staffers were becoming vocal about workplace issues. After no major changes from their bosses, the idea to unionize started to grow, and this is where Laudick and Doggett believe they were able to find a foothold and begin the process of organizing the CWU.
During the same time, in early 2022, Representative Andy Levin submitted legislation that would enshrine the right for congressional staffers to unionize. This paved the way for the previously underground organizing efforts of the CWU, Doggett said. Laudick discussed the issues that must be addressed in their organizing and negotiation efforts to improve the working conditions. Among the issues needing to be addressed are the low pay for living in Washington D.C., variable benefits from office to office and lack of overtime compensation.
Both Doggett and Laudick are hopeful to provide every staff member in Congress, no matter the political affiliation, with the ability to organize if they choose to do so. Currently, 15 offices are organized with the CWU, 14 in the House and one in the Senate. They hope to have the staffers in the Senate offices see the same protections as those in the House one day and get the workers in the Senate organized.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.