Staffers in Congress are sick and tired—they want a union!

Behind every elected official in Congress, whether beloved or reviled, is an army of staffers and aides who do everything from writing bills to organizing meetings, politicking—and all too frequently, no shortage of objectively degrading tasks. Indeed, Capitol Hill is perpetually swirled by a storm of rumors of sneering Senators and capricious Congresspersons said to abuse their aides. Now, the staffers are striking back by attempting to unionize. In a recent letter to Senate leaders, the Congressional Workers Union called on Senators to pass a resolution recognizing the right of Congressional staffers to unionize. CWU representatives Courtney Rose Laudick and Taylor Marie Doggett sit down with TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez to explain the working conditions faced by staffers on the Hill, and why they see their unionization drive as part of the broader workers’ movement. Taylor Marie Doggett is the Vice President of Communications for the Congressional Workers Union. Taylor is a staffer in the House of Representatives, the daughter of a former union teacher, and a proud Southerner. Courtney Rose Laudick is the Vice President of Organizing for the CWU. Courtney formerly worked as a Policy Advisor for Congressman Andy Levin, and co-founded the Congressional Progressive Staff Association in Congress. Currently, Courtney is pursuing a Master of Science in Labor Studies at the University of Massachusetts Labor Center. Post-Production: Cameron Granadino The Real News is an independent, viewer-supported, radical media network. Help us expand our in-depth analysis and coverage from Baltimore to Bangladesh by subscribing and becoming a member today! Donate: Sign up for our newsletter: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: