Today, Congressman Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township), longtime union organizer and member of the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Labor Caucus, released the following statement after the Congressional Workers Union announced that 8 House offices filed petitions for union representation after the U.S. House of Representatives adopted Congressman Levin’s resolution to grant congressional staff in the right to organize and bargain collectively:

“I am so proud of the staffers who made a historic move today in seeking union recognition in 8 offices with over 70 workers in the House, and I am incredibly humbled and honored to have played a modest role in helping realize the hard work of congressional staff who fought to make this moment possible.

“As a former union organizer and someone who spent decades in the labor movement, I know how important it is to keep the spotlight focused on the people today is truly about: the workers. It is the workers who ensure that this institution—the bedrock of our fragile and precious democracy—operates efficiently and serves the American people here in the Capitol and in every corner of our nation. It is the workers who applied pressure, pushing their bosses to walk the walk and respect the will of staff. It is the workers who bravely stepped up despite potential backlash and interference and made clear that they want more of a voice in our workplace. Finally, it is the workers who office after office demonstrated the power of human solidarity.

“To the Congressional Workers Union members who led this fight, House staff current and former, allies and advocates on and off the Hill, thank you for your tireless advocacy. Solidarity!”

Original source can be found here.