WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement upon House passage of H.Res. 915, a Resolution Recognizing the Rights of Congressional Workers to Organize, introduced by CPC Deputy Whip Rep. Andy Levin (MI-09):
“Every worker deserves a union — including in Congress. The Progressive Caucus is proud to be the first caucus to support congressional staff unionization, and we were proud to vote for this resolution today.“Congress would not work without our staff, who are essential both to the functioning of the legislative branch and to ensuring that Congress well represents the communities we serve. But for too long, House rules have stood in the way of their right to organize and collectively bargain. Today, they can now begin the process that every worker should have access to, and that thousands have found power in during recent years: they can form a union. This resolution will also make critical progress toward staff retention, ensuring that those with institutional knowledge, deep expertise, and a commitment to public service can continue to work on the Hill. From Seattle to Staten Island, everyone has the right to dignity, safety, and fair treatment in the workplace — and they will always find champions and allies among progressives in Congress.”
