Montana Democratic Party workers to unionize

Phil Drake | Great Falls Tribune

HELENA – Employees of the Montana Democratic Party said Wednesday they have chosen to be represented by a union.

The employees made the announcement in a news release along with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 206.

James Holbrook, IBEW 206 business manager, said more professional employees are joining the IBEW because they can benefit from the gains in health care and work conditions.

“Everybody should have a collective bargaining agreement and a seat at the table, so the employees and the employer have a collaborative approach for success,” he said in a news release.

Union officials said they have not started negotiations on pay. They said a majority of the Montana Democratic Party employees signed a union authorization card and the party voluntarily recognized the decision of the employees to organize into the IBEW.

They said the staff can range anywhere from eight and grow to 150 during the election season.

“It is every employee’s right to organize into a union and I am proud to be able to participate in this auspicious occasion,” Monica Lindeen, executive director for the Montana Democratic Party, said in the news release.

Keith Allen, state organizing coordinator for IBEW 206, said more and more campaign workers around the country are organizing, mentioning the presidential campaigns of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

He also said state Democratic parties in Nebraska and Idaho have done the same.

The party and union said will now collectively bargain a workplace agreement, officials said.

Holbrook said he planned to sit down with employees next week and discuss goals and hoped to have the process completed within three months.

Reporter Phil Drake is our eye on the state capitol. For tips, suggestions or comment, he can be reached at 406-231-9021 or pdrake@greatfallstribune.com. To support his work, subscribe today and get a special offer.