Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Democratic Party has reached an agreement with their staff union, an affiliate of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 4. The three-year contract includes a 3% COLA, 100% employer paid healthcare and a vehicle to join the Green Mountain Secure retirement plan. “The USW applauds the Vermont Democratic Party for its leadership by example in recognizingits campaign staff’s desire to organize and bargain collectively as members of our union through card check recognition,” said John Shinn, Director of USW District 4. “Clearly, and especially when it comes to respecting that all work has dignity, our organizations share important values and beliefs.”
“This is a matter of practicing what we preach,” said VDP Chair Terje Anderson. “The 2018 election was a tremendous success for Vermont Democrats and much of that is due to having a professional, year-round staff. This contract is the result of giving our employees a voice at the table and treating them with the dignity they deserve.”
“We need to start thinking about working in politics as more than just a job - it can be a career” said VDP House Campaign Manager and chief negotiator Jim Dandeneau. “I’m proud to be a Steelworker and was thrilled to work with Party leadership on this historic contract.”
The Vermont Democratic Party is the first unionized political party in the country and has paved the way for several other state parties organizing their staffs.
Source: Vermont Democratic Party 12.13.2018