Congress’ staff unionization advances

WASHINGTON — The House approved a resolution Tuesday that will pave the way for letting congressional staff join a union and engage in collective bargaining, a move that proponents say would enhance the ability of aides from low- and middle-income families to make ends meet in a region with steep housing costs.

Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., sponsored the resolution. He said that if workers have more of a say about working conditions and pay, it will lead to lower turnover and make Congress a more effective institution. He also called the ability to unionize an equity issue since many people can’t afford to consider a job in Washington.

“You don’t want only children of the privileged to be able to work here because somehow their family can support them,” Levin said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also addressed the pay issue by recently setting a minimum annual salary of $45,000.

“By empowering staffers to advocate for themselves and each other, we take an important step to ensure the House is best able to serve the American people,” Pelosi said.

(AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi leaves the West Wing of the White House on Tuesday with members of the congressional delegation that recently visited Ukraine. Pelosi recently addressed the issue of congressional staffers’ pay by setting a minimum salary of $45,000.