John,

More than half of the members of Congress are millionaires. But their staff―the people who run the actual day to day work, write legislation, meet with constituents, and meet with CHN staff on the issues we’re fighting for―often work 60-70 hour weeks, but can’t afford rent in one of the highest cost-of-living cities in the country.  

As a result, congressional workers don’t represent America. To take a staff job for a member of Congress, a worker has to either be financially independent through other means (usually a wealthy family member) or willing to go on SNAP (food stamps). The low wages and long hours contribute to the revolving door, as they trade their experience on the Hill for a high-paid lobbying gig. Staffers work hard to help shape the legislation that governs our nation; it’s in our interest that they are paid fairly.

These workers need a union. But right now, congressional workers don’t have the legal protections and rights to organize that most Americans do. Now they’re trying to change that.

There’s a union organizing campaign underway right now, and Rep. Andy Levin and Sen. Sherrod Brown have each introduced legislation to repeal Congress’s exemption from labor law.

Click here to watch the report “Congressional Workers Exploited,” then sign the petition to Congress and tell them that you support the Congressional Workers Union’s organizing campaign!

Our allies at More Perfect Union sat down with congressional workers who are organizing this campaign to improve working conditions in Congress. Hear their stories, then take action to tell Congress you support their right to organize!

As one congressional aide says in the report:

“Having a union to benefit the workplace and give people a voice on the job is probably one of the most effective ways to actually help Congress help the American people.”

Thank you for fighting for a Congress that is reflective of the American people.

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs