Lawmakers, staff and unions press to let statehouse employees unionize

Supporters of bills H.2093 and S.1343 told the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development on Oct. 28 that legislative employees should have the same collective‑bargaining rights as other public workers. Sponsors and a long list of current and former staffers described pay and benefit disparities, high turnover and workplace issues that they say hamper the legislature’s ability to retain experienced staff.

Representative Rodney Elliott, who carried the House version after the death of its original sponsor, said the measure would bring legislative employees under the umbrella of Massachusetts public‑sector collective‑bargaining law "with appropriate safeguards in place." Senator John Keenan, a sponsor on the Senate side, said the bill would not create a union automatically but would provide staff the right to organize and bargain if they choose.

Current and former legislative staff who testified described long hours, difficulty affording housing in the Boston area and limited pathways for advancement. "We want our staff to be paid well so they can devote themselves to our work without needing a second job to pay rent," Senator Paul Feeney said. Several staffers described organizing activity inside the chambers, attempts at voluntary recognition, and a staff survey showing many aides intend to leave within two years.

Unions including IBEW Local 2222 and the Massachusetts AFL‑CIO urged passage, saying organized staff would improve retention, preserve institutional knowledge and reduce reliance on outside contractors or lobbyists. Supporters emphasized the bill excludes managerial and confidential positions and that the public‑sector bargaining process would still be administered by the Department of Labor Relations.

Opponents did not present formal testimony opposing the concept at this hearing; committee members asked procedural questions about unit definitions and managerial exclusions. No formal vote was taken. The committee heard dozens of personal accounts and requests for a favorable report, and several witnesses offered to serve as resources if lawmakers seek technical changes.

A favorable report from the committee would move the bills to the full branch floors for debate. Until any statutory change is enacted, legislative staffing policy and recognition remain governed by internal House and Senate practice and the current wording of chapter 150E of the General Laws.