DNC union erupts in outrage over ‘shocking’ and ‘callous’ demand to work in-person

WASHINGTON — Staffers at the Democratic National Committee seethed over the party’s new directive to show up to the office and work in-person five days a week, blasting the order as “shocking” and “callous.”

DNC Chairman Ken Martin informed workers during an all-staff meeting on Wednesday that the national Democratic Party apparatus will require its entire Washington, DC-based staff to return to full in-person work starting in February.

“It was shocking to see the DNC chair disregard staff’s valid concerns on today’s team call,” the DNC staff union leadership fumed in a statement first reported by the New York Times.

“DNC staff worked extremely hard to support historic wins for Democrats up and down the ballot last Tuesday, and this change feels especially callous considering the current economic conditions created by the Trump administration.”

The union, which ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the DNC back in July, noted that it is “considering its options.”

That collective bargaining agreement allows DNC workers to “request to work remotely on occasion.”

During the announcement, Martin caveated that DNC workers would have flexibility for family, medical and other personal matters that warranted remote work, a DNC official told The Post.

Martin argued that Democrats had momentum after the off-year elections last week and contended that having staff work together is conducive to better brainstorming and allows the party to make time-sensitive decisions quickly, the source claimed.

The DNC boss also impressed upon staff that the 2025 off-year election cycle is different than the 2026 midterm elections, in which states and the Democratic party will lean on the DNC more for support.

Backlash quickly ensued, with a flurry of thumbs-downs on the Zoom call for remote workers and questions from staffers, according to the New York Times.

Some staffers reportedly argued that Democrats won the 2020 election despite the remote work and contended that the party could do so again in 2028.

The DNC declined to comment on the record. The Post also reached out to Local 500 of the Service Employees International Union, of which the DNC staffer union is a member.

Companies across the country wound down remote work policies at the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside observers were amused by the DNC infighting, with Democratic operatives ripping into the outrage over the in-person work policy.

“If you think democracy is on the line – working in the office is not a big ask. And there are plenty of other people willing to step up. Get yourselves together people,” Neera Tanden, who was a senior adviser to former President Joe Biden, jabbed on X in response to the controversy.

“Everyone should work a traditional campaign before doing a PAC/committee,” Monica Venzke, House communications director at the liberal American Bridge 21st Century super PAC, argued.

GOP operatives also had a field day over the drama.

“This is hilarious. DNC staffers are ‘shocked’ at being expected to show up to work during a midterm campaign cycle,” Republican National Committee press secretary Kiersten Pels mused. “Is this a political committee or a daycare?”

“DNC staffers are melting down after being told they actually have to show up to work again for the first time in five years,” National Republican Congressional Committee press secretary Mike Marinella swiped.

The DNC butted heads with its union last year after the party apparatus decided to make post-election layoffs.

Earlier this year, Martin was also forced to navigate controversy over former DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, nearly tearing up over the drama back in June.

Hogg wanted to serve as DNC vice chair and also meddle in Dem primaries with his PAC — something Martin opposed.