COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Democratic Party workers on Wednesday announced plans to unionize, and party officials said they’re on board.

Party Data Director Ben Conover, who is leading the push for unionization, told The Associated Press that high turnover after biennial party chairperson elections prompted the effort. He said shoring up staff protections could foster more stability among Democratic staffers.

“We believe that unionizing as staff of MDP helps strengthen our party and build a brighter future for Missouri Democrats,” Conover said in a statement.

Executive Director Lauren Gepford in a Wednesday statement said party officials will sign workers’ demand for union recognition and start negotiations on collective bargaining. She said the party “enthusiastically supports workers and the right to collectively bargain.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“We’ve always upheld the spirit of the Labor movement in our workforce and believe this process is a formal recognition of that long standing relationship.”