After a review by an independent arbiter, DNC staff officially join DC’s fastest-growing union

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By an overwhelming margin, staff at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have officially joined SEIU Local 500. Today, former Congresswoman Donna Edwards – an independent neutral observer selected by both DNC staff and management – determined a majority of eligible staff have officially signed cards to unionize. 

“We are incredibly excited to join SEIU Local 500 to live our Democratic values at our workplace,” said DNC Staffer and Union Leader Alison Goh. “Throughout this process, our aim has been not only to improve the lives of current and future staff at the DNC, but to ensure our staff, no matter where they live, are protected and given the resources they need to thrive in their careers and succeed in our mission to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. As we work on our first contract with management, we thank Chair Harrison and DNC leadership for their vocal support of collective bargaining rights both inside and outside of the DNC Headquarters – now, let’s get to work.”

“The DNC is strong and only getting stronger because of our smart, diverse, and resilient staff,” said DNC Executive Director Sam Cornale. “Today, the DNC is proud to voluntarily recognize SEIU Local 500 after a majority of DNC employees expressed their desire for union representation in a mutually agreed-upon bargaining unit.  The DNC looks forward to meeting with LocaI 500 and our employee representatives to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement in the near future. I am inspired by the incredible DNC team, and that’s especially true today as they live the values we hold dear as Democrats.”