President Joe Biden’s campaign headquarters in Delaware recently finalized a union contract after collective bargaining negotiations, marking him as the first incumbent to run for reelection with a unionized workforce and highlighting his pro-labor stance. The contract covers issues such as wages, time off, and severance, and was negotiated with the Campaign Workers Guild, a non-partisan labor union that represents campaign workers and political committees. Both Biden’s campaign and the Guild expressed pride in the agreement, stating that it sets a strong example for future collaborations between campaigns and unions.
The union contract, which covers nearly 100 campaign workers and went into effect on May 23, includes provisions such as severance and continued benefits after the election, increased time off, monthly child care reimbursement, disciplinary protections, caps on hours worked, and health and safety protections. This move towards unionization is part of a larger trend within Democratic campaigns and committees, signaling a commitment to pro-labor values. Field organizers on Biden’s previous campaign also successfully unionized in May 2020, securing benefits such as a $15 minimum wage and overtime pay.
The grueling nature of presidential campaign work, characterized by long hours and low pay, has prompted the campaign staff to seek better working conditions and compensation through unionization efforts. The recognition of the Campaign Workers Guild and the negotiation of a comprehensive union contract demonstrate Biden’s commitment to supporting workers’ rights and the dignity of work. This move towards unionization also sets Biden apart from former President Donald Trump, whose campaign staff is not represented by a union.
As he prepares to face off against Trump in the upcoming election, Biden has made efforts to strengthen his pro-union image, positioning himself as the “most pro-union president in history” and seeking endorsements from powerful unions. Biden has a history of supporting unions and has been endorsed by prominent organizations such as the United Autoworkers and the Building Trades Unions. In contrast, Trump has also courted union support, meeting with the Teamsters union, but his campaign staff remains unrepresented by a union.
The union contract negotiated by Biden’s campaign signifies a commitment to upholding pro-labor values and improving working conditions for campaign staff. By working collaboratively with the Campaign Workers Guild and finalizing a comprehensive agreement that covers various aspects of workers’ rights and benefits, Biden aims to set a standard for future campaigns and unions to follow. This move not only aligns with Biden’s campaign platform but also distinguishes him from Trump in his support for organized labor and workers’ rights.
