HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 26, 2022) -- Staffers on the Beto for Texas (BFT) campaign ratified their union contract last month, becoming the first statewide campaign in the Lone Star State to do so.

129 staffers in organizing, canvassing, press, scheduling, data, coordination, events, finance and other roles are all covered under the terms of agreement. Campaigners will join OPEIU Local 277 for the duration of the campaign.

"We are proud to join the labor movement and to be the first Texas statewide campaign to unionize," said Rocio Dumey, an organizer on the campaign. "Like Beto, we practice what we preach. We want to send a message that every worker in this state should have the right to demand better wages, benefits, and working conditions. We want to join them in that fight.”

The contract introduces overtime pay, a five-day workweek, paid time off to vote early, severance pay, gas stipends and an additional week's salary as a bonus if O'Rourke wins in November. It also includes important clauses on safe working conditions, parental leave, protections for immigrant workers, and establishes arbitration and grievance procedures.

"We are incredibly excited to represent the staff of Beto for Texas. Having a voice on the job is critical and joining together to form a union remains the best way to accomplish that," said Tyler Turner, president of OPEIU Local 277.

"When an employer respects their employees’ right to form that union, it’s a win for all involved," Turner continued. "We appreciate Beto for Texas voluntarily recognizing this union and look forward to the partnership. We would also like to thank CWA District 6 for their hard work and collaboration throughout the process."