In a historic move, staffers at Joe Biden’s reelection campaign headquarters have finalized a union agreement, making it the first presidential reelection campaign to organize.
The agreement was reached between the Biden-Harris campaign and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2320. The IBEW represents nearly 200 employees at the campaign’s headquarters in Philadelphia.
According to a statement from the campaign, the agreement includes “competitive salaries and benefits, robust anti-harassment policies, as well as paid time off and employer-paid health care.”
The successful unionization effort has been praised by both labor leaders and Democratic officials.
“This is an important step towards ensuring fair and equitable treatment for campaign staff, and sets a new standard for future presidential reelection campaigns,” said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).
The RWDSU also represents workers at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and has been working with Biden’s campaign to facilitate negotiations.
“This agreement shows that the Biden-Harris campaign values its employees and recognizes their hard work and dedication,” Appelbaum added.
This move highlights the growing trend of unionization among political campaigns. In recent years, several Democratic candidates have unionized their staffs, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren during their 2020 presidential runs.
However, this marks the first time a sitting president or vice president has unionized their reelection campaign.
“The Biden-Harris campaign’s decision to prioritize workers’ rights and support collective bargaining is a testament to the value of unions in our society,” said Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
The growing presence of labor unions within political campaigns reflects a larger shift towards progressive policies within the Democratic Party. As more candidates embrace unionization efforts, it sends a message that they are committed to improving working conditions and supporting workers’ rights.
According to data from the Department for Professional Employees, union membership among young workers has been steadily increasing over the past decade. This trend is likely to continue as the younger generation becomes more politically active and aligns themselves with progressive values.
The successful unionization at the Biden campaign’s headquarters also serves as a reminder of the impact that organized labor can have in shaping workplace conditions and advocating for workers’ rights. It sets a new precedent for future presidential campaigns, and it is likely that we will see more candidates following in Biden’s footsteps.
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