Bidden's reelection campaign office staff reach union deal, marking the first-ever organized presidential campaign
Authorities revealed that the fresh agreement encompasses salary, vacation time, and severance package for workers. The advocacy for unionization is connected to the Campaign Workers Guild, a non-aligned labor force organization that emerged in 2017 to champion employees on political campaigns and committees.
Both the Guild and Biden's campaign issued a common statement disclosed first to CNN: "We are proud of the collaborative and professional process that led to a strong, fair, and equitable deal between the Biden-Harris team and the Campaign Workers Guild. Our organizations believe that defending the rights of workers and the significance of employment is essential, and we hope this endeavor can serve as a powerful illustration for future campaigns and unions to forge an agreement that everyone can be proud of."
The terms and conditions of the agreement were executed on May 23, a senior official stated, and encompass approximately 100 campaign employees. The number of employees joining the union is escalating rapidly as the campaign is augmenting its workforce in preparation for the November elections.
Components of the contract involve separation benefits and provision of healthcare after November 5, extended leisure time for employees, consistent monthly childcare support, safeguards against dismissal, hour limitations, and health and safety precautions.
Biden's previous campaign employees banded together in May 2020, laboring in partnership with Teamsters Local 238 to secure a $15 minimum salary, overtime remuneration if working over 40 hours a week, and a six-day workweek.
Political campaign employment can be notoriously demanding, featuring lengthy hours and meager pay, yet the draw typically consists of the opportunity to engage in American politics at its pinnacle as well as career benefits.
Numerous Democratic campaigns and committees have motivated their staff to endeavor unionizing in recent years as they endeavor to align with the labor-centric platforms they present to constituents. This trend arises as the incumbent president seeks to reinforce his union bonafides as he readies to clash against predecessor Donald Trump, who has also made play for union voters forthcoming November.
The Trump campaign staff members do not have union affiliation.
In a statement, Biden's campaign director, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, noted, "President Biden promised to be the most pro-union president ever, and he's delivered on his commitment, as underscored by this latest development. Joe Biden has a long history of standing with the workforce, and they achieved unionization like their counterparts in 2016."
The president has pursued billing himself as the "most pro-union president ever," and he's been striving to procure endorsements from powerful unions for his presidential campaign. The United Autoworkers and Building Trades Unions have endorsed his bid. Both him and Trump have separately interacted with the Teamsters union to court their support.
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The agreement between the Campaign Workers Guild and Biden's reelection campaign includes provisions for healthcare after November 5 and extended vacation time for employees. The rapid increase in the number of employees joining the union is reflective of the campaign's growing workforce in preparation for the November elections.
