John,

Did you know that more than half of the members of Congress are millionaires?[1] But their staff―the people who run the actual day to day work, write legislation, and meet with constituents―often work 60-70 hour weeks, but can’t afford rent in one of the highest cost-of-living cities in the country.

These are the same congressional staff that Americans for Tax Fairness meets with each week, working with them directly on introducing and passing legislation to ensure the rich and corporations pay their fair share.

But, they are also bombarded by corporate lobbyists. And, because of the low wages and long hours worked by congressional staff, they often trade low-paying congressional jobs for high-paying lobbying gigs, going to work with the very corporate interests we’re fighting back against each day.

How do we help stop the revolving door between Congress and jobs with Wall Street and corporate lobbyists? Congressional staff need the ability to form a staff union to demand better wages, benefits, and hours. And, this week the U.S. House is preparing to vote on Rep. Andy Levin’s (D-Mich.) proposal, which would, for the first time, allow the formation of a Congressional Workers Union.

Click here to watch the video from our friends at More Perfect Union, then sign the petition and tell Congress that you support the Congressional Workers Union’s organizing campaign.

In order 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), willing to live in a large group house, and maybe even willing to go on food stamps.

If we want a Congress that does not exploit its employees, provides them with dignity and sets an example of a model employer for the American people, congressional staff need a union. As one congressional staffer says in the video 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.”

Join Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund and our allies in signing the petition today. Tell Congress that you support the Congressional Workers Union’s organizing campaign!

Labor unions are the backbone of America. Together, we’re fighting for more worker power, which strengthens our workforce and helps create an economy that works for all of us.

Without better pay and benefits and working conditions, Congress will continue to be a revolving door for staff to get a few years of experience and political connections on the inside and then become a corporate lobbyist often working against our interests on the outside. Help us stop the spinning door.

Thank you,

Frank Clemente
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund