Congressional staff are unionizing — FAQ

WHY ORGANIZE? 

Congressional staff are underpaid and overworked. Work conditions on the hill are so poor that burnout and turnover are at an all-time high. These systemic issues are long-running and have only been exacerbated by the pandemic, the insurrection, and hostile work environment on the Hill. Problematic work conditions we encounter include but are not limited to:

• Insufficient compensation and benefits.

• Inconsistent office policies regarding overtime, paid leave, and COVID safety standards.  

• Inadequate protections from threats of violence.

• Pervasive sexual harassment, and harassment and hostility towards staff and members via racial, ethnicity, religious, sexuality, gender and class.

• High turnover—particularly to the for-profit government relations sector.

WHAT WOULD A UNION DO FOR ME? 

A union is an organized group of workers who unite to make decisions about conditions at their place of work. Unions fight for their workers and advocate for their needs. Having a union will:

• Give me a voice.

• Fight for a livable wage and pay equity.

• Negotiate for good benefits and time off.

• Advocate for a safer work environment.

• Ensure fair and standardized office policies.

DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO UNIONIZE?

Every Member of Congress has the ability to voluntarily recognize a union in their office. Congressional staff are not prohibited from organizing, we just lack the same protections as other federal workers. This means that, if a majority of staff in an office organize a union, nothing prohibits a Member from recognizing that union and bargaining with staff in good faith.