House Votes For Congressional Staffers Union After 26-Year Stall

The House approved a resolution Tuesday that would allow congressional staffers to form a union. It does not yet apply to Senate staffers.

Still, the Senate does not need to vote on the bill, so it went into effect immediately after a 217-202 vote in the House. For 26 years, Congressional staffers pushed for the bill introduced by Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich. The bill allows employees to form a union without the threat of retaliation.

The formation of a union among House employees comes as unionizing efforts ramp up around the country. Specifically, unionizing efforts at Starbucks locations and Amazon warehouses around the country have made news more recently.

After the vote, Congressional Workers Union shared a statement on Twitter.

However, the bill does not apply to Senate staff, only to House staff so far. It is not likely that Senate would pass this bill or a similar bill for their own employees.

Following the vote, congressional staffers plan to unionize among aids serving lawmakers and committees in the Capitol. Following the passing of the bill, employees of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced they formed their first union. The formation of the union makes it the largest collective bargaining unit of the Democratic Party.

Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced a pay floor for congressional staffers. It would guarantee a minimum salary of $45,000 for House aids, which would go into effect Sept. 1. After the bill passed on Tuesday, Pelosi praised its passing and the efforts of congressional staffers in a statement to reporters.

"Congress has long been strengthened by the skill, dedication, and patriotism of our hard-working staffers, who enable us to fulfill our legislative and constituent responsibilities," Pelosi said.