The Latest Breaking News from OCWR

WASHINGTON — The House rules package proposed by Republican Kevin McCarthy, the man who would be speaker, aims to kneecap congressional staff’s nascent labor movement, but union supporters say his attempt at union-busting may go worse than his bid for the speaker’s gavel.

Union leaders say they are “invigorated.” And experts say the “mess” around Kevin McCarthy’s speaker bid buys them some time to figure it out.

Staff for Rep. Cori Bush began voting to form a union Tuesday. The Missouri Democrat’s team is expected to become the fifth unionized office since a congressional organizing campaign launched publicly this year.

All eyes may be on the campaign trail, but union action continues on the Hill. Organizers see “momentum” as another office takes a vote.

Staffers who work for eight House Democrats are wasting no time in their plans to unionize, filing petitions Monday to kick off the process.

The House approved a measure Tuesday that will allow nearly 9,100 House staffers the ability to form unions if they choose.