MADISON — Today, members of the Mandela Barnes for Wisconsin campaign staff voted unanimously to ratify its first union contract with the Campaign Workers Guild. In response, Mandela Barnes for Wisconsin Staff Union Leader Rio Diaz, Campaign Workers Guild Executive Council Member Tyler Wilkinson, and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, candidate for U.S. Senate, released the following statements.
“Today is a major step forward for the Mandela Barnes for Wisconsin campaign team,” said Rio Diaz, Mandela Barnes for Wisconsin Staff Union leader. “We are proud to have unanimously voted in favor of a contract that guarantees our campaign practices what it preaches. Our strong union contract will guarantee fair wages and access to the benefits that we deserve.”
“The Campaign Workers Guild is proud to celebrate this major milestone for the Mandela Barnes Staff Union and welcome yet another strong Wisconsin-based staff union,” said Campaign Workers Guild Executive Council Member Tyler Wilkinson. “These workers have fought for and won substantial wage increases and protections that help to positively transform the industry for campaign workers from one plagued by low wages and indignity at work to one where workers are respected on the job. We are proud of the high bar that these workers set for Wisconsin campaigns in the future.”
“I am proud to stand in solidarity with my team today and every day,” said Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, candidate for U.S. Senate. “My story wouldn’t be possible without unions. My father worked third shift on the assembly line and my mother was a public school teacher. Their union memberships were our ticket to the middle class and the key to my success. I will always fight to ensure every worker has the benefits and opportunities they deserve.”
