'Living what he preaches': Joe Biden hailed as he becomes first incumbent president to run for reelection with unionized workforce

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden's campaign headquarters in Delaware finalized a union contract last week after collective bargaining negotiations, marking a historic first: Biden became the first incumbent president to run for reelection with a unionized workforce, as reported by CNN.

The newly minted contract, covering wages, time off, and severance, among other issues, highlights Biden's commitment to workers' rights. This move is affiliated with the Campaign Workers Guild, a non-partisan labor union established in 2017 to represent workers on campaigns and political committees.

Joe Biden seeks to bolster his union credentials

"We are proud of the professional and collaborative process that has resulted in a strong, fair, and equitable agreement between the Biden-Harris staff and the Campaign Workers Guild," read a joint statement from the Guild and Biden’s campaign.

"Both of our organizations believe standing up for workers’ rights and the dignity of work is paramount, and we hope this process can be a powerful example for how future campaigns and unions can work together to achieve an agreement everyone can be proud of," they continued.

The agreement, effective as of May 23, covers nearly 100 campaign workers, with the number of unionized staffers growing weekly as the campaign ramps up for the November election.

The contract covers various protections and benefits, including severance and continuation of benefits post-election on November 5, increased time off, monthly child care reimbursements, disciplinary protections, caps on working hours, and health and safety measures.

This isn't the first time Biden's campaign workers have organized. In May 2020, field organizers from Biden’s previous campaign unionized with Teamsters Local 238, securing a $15 minimum wage, overtime pay for work exceeding 40 hours per week, and a six-day workweek.

The latest agreement builds on these foundations, reflecting the intense nature of presidential campaign work, which often involves long hours and low pay in exchange for invaluable experience and career advancement in American politics at the highest level.

In recent years, Democratic campaigns and committees have increasingly embraced staff unionization efforts, aligning with their pro-labor platforms.

This trend comes as Biden seeks to bolster his union credentials in preparation for a face-off with former President Donald Trump, who is also courting union voters ahead of the November election. Notably, Trump’s campaign staff is not unionized.

Announcement of Joe Biden's unionized campaign workforce sparks delight online

The announcement of Biden's unionized campaign workforce quickly sparked positive reactions online. One user on X commented, "@JoeBiden is living what he preaches." Another remarked, "Thank you President Biden for always leading the way and showing America how we should behave and fight for all."

One user noted, "That's bc he supports the work people! He believes in them getting FAIR shake in this country! Not giving it all to the weathiest!!!" Another user proclaimed, "The best, absolutely needs 4 more years."

One wrote, "This is what America first looks like," while another declared, "This is a historic moment! A unionized campaign workforce shows Biden's commitment to labor rights and fair treatment. It sets a positive example for the entire country and highlights the power of collective bargaining."

A comment read, "The People’s President," while another described Biden as, "The man who truly loves his country; who works diligently for the good of its citizens, working at building a better future for all."

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.