Deb Haaland for Congress Unionizing in NM-1

Albuquerque, NM -- Today, Deb Haaland for Congress announced their staff have officially unionized under the Campaign Workers’ Guild.

Statement from Ihaab Syed, Secretary of the Campaign Workers Guild:

“The Campaign Workers Guild is proud to represent New Mexico workers. By coming together, the workers on this campaign were able to achieve a 50% raise for field organizers and a $15 per hour wage for part time staff, as well as significant benefits.”

Statement from Deb Haaland on unionizing:

“Strong unions make a strong America. I am thrilled to be the first campaign to unionize in New Mexico, and to stand with labor not just in my platform but in practice. Strong labor rights will ensure more good union jobs in New Mexico and across the country; good jobs that include living wages, full benefits, and predictable schedules. If I’m elected, I’ll fight for labor rights at every opportunity in Congress both on the floor and in the streets.”

Statement from Angie Poss, Field Director for Deb Haaland and now a member of CWG:

"Our staff is dedicated to electing the most progressive candidate to Congress and today we led by example in unanimously voting to join the Campaign Workers Guild. I am proud to work for Deb, Congress needs new voices in making decisions that affect our families. As a former organizer she believes in and recognizes that all workers deserve respect, fairness, and a seat at the table. The future of America is union, and we are excited to lead the way."

The Campaign Workers Guild (CWG) is a national, independent union representing organizers across a variety of workplace settings, including electoral campaigns and consulting firms. The union launched in February 2018. To date, CWG workers have won collective bargaining agreements with 13 campaign employers in 11 states.

Deb Haaland’s campaign is unionizing at a moment of huge momentum -- with her social media following doubling in just a matter of weeks following a number of big endorsements. Last week, Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico endorsed, following 350 Action and Bill McKibben; the National Organization for Women PAC; Congressional Black Caucus PAC; and many Congressional women leaders including; Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Barbara Lee, Karen Bass, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Betty McCollum, Gwen Moore, Colleen Hanabusa and 6 other Members of Congress; the American Postal Workers Union; House Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn; Senator Harry Reid; Winona LaDuke; 28 elected, former-elected, and community leaders in New Mexico; and 70 tribes and tribal leaders nationwide.

Deb is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna. She grew up in a military family; her father was a 30-year combat Marine who was awarded the Silver Star Medal during Vietnam, and her mother is a Navy veteran who went on to work 25 years in Indian education. Deb’s family moved throughout the country during her father’s military service; as a result, she attended 13 different high schools before graduating. She knows the sacrifices made by military families all too well — because she’s lived them.

Deb is a single mother who has cleaned toilets and swept floors to afford her daughter’s early childhood education. Like so many New Mexicans, Deb had to rely on food stamps at times as a single parent. She has been a small-business owner and knows her colleagues’ challenges firsthand. Deb has lived paycheck-to-paycheck and struggled to put herself through college and law school — but she did it through hard work and determination. Like so many New Mexicans, both Deb and her daughter are still working to pay off exorbitant higher-education loans. Unlike her opponents, Deb is not in a position to self-fund her campaign.

Deb is running for Congress because she’s lived the struggles of everyday New Mexicans. She understand their needs and is best equipped to be our families’ fiercest advocate in Congress. She will fight tirelessly to create opportunities and improve livelihood for all New Mexicans.

Learn more about Deb and her campaign at DebforCongress.com.