NPR: “Tonight is a reminder of the power of collective action and what the freedom to form a union truly means—democracy not just in our elections, but in our workplaces too.”
ICYMI: Victoria Spartz named “worst boss” in Washington, D.C.
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today criticized every Republican member of Indiana’s Congressional Delegation for voting against organized labor – again. The measure would have given their own staff the opportunity to join a union, and it came after an onslaught of news stories surfaced about staff abuse and mistreatment from Members of Congress. With Democrats like André Carson and Frank Mrvan ensuring its passage, this opportunity is now one step closer to becoming law – potentially delivering staff in Congresswoman Victoria Spartz’s office necessary protections from Washington D.C.’s “Worst Boss”.
This week’s vote was also the third time in a year where the Indiana Republican Party showed they do not value organized labor and the Hoosier worker.
In March, Todd Young sent a letter to President Joe Biden demanding his administration stop using project labor agreements (PLA) for projects tied to The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (The Jobs Act) – a law he flip-flopped on last year. The Indiana GOP also voted “NO” on the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Add this week’s vote to the list.
In contrast, Indiana Democrats have delivered for workers and for organized labor. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan and The Jobs Act, good-paying union jobs are being used to expand broadband access, repair roads and bridges, and revitalize the state’s water infrastructure systems. Frank Mrvan worked with President Biden to secure future economic opportunity for Indiana’s steel industry. And finally, Carson and Mrvan both supported the PRO-Act.
Throughout the 2022 elections (and beyond), Democrats will highlight how the Indiana GOP has no plan for workers’ future – just partisanship.
NPR: House votes to allow congressional staffers to unionize
The House of Representatives voted 217-202 on Tuesday on a resolution that recognizes congressional workers’ right to unionize. The vote was straight down party lines, with every Republican in the House opposing the measure.
“Tonight is a reminder of the power of collective action and what the freedom to form a union truly means — democracy not just for our elections but in our workplaces too,” the Congressional Workers Union said in a statement.
“Congressional staffers deserve the same fundamental rights and protections as workers all across the country, including the right to bargain collectively,” Pelosi said in the statement.
“With a competitive minimum salary, the House will better be able to retain and recruit excellent, diverse talent. Doing so will open the doors to public service for those who may not have been able to afford to do so in the past,” Pelosi said.
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