Arizona Democrats Face Internal Conflict Over Staff Union Dispute

The Arizona Democratic Party’s stance on organized labor is under scrutiny as it faces internal discord with its own staff union. Despite a public commitment to supporting unions, the party has encountered friction with the Arizona Democratic Party HQ Staff Union over collective bargaining agreements.

According to an April 24 statement from the union, “As is often the case with progressive organizations, union recognition came quickly, but the collective bargaining agreement has not.” This follows the union’s social media claim that party leaders “continuously refuse to acknowledge that they are obligated to bargain with our union.”

Natalye Tate, a union spokesperson, indicated that negotiations have been hindered by leadership’s approach, stating, “So what’s really stalled negotiations is that leadership has taken an approach to negotiations that relies upon demand as opposed to making proposals, and so there’s also a lack of preparation on their end that’s been a barrier to productive bargaining.”

The party has not issued a public response, despite multiple requests for comment. However, Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Robert Branscomb attributed the difficulties to the previous leadership. “Negotiations had stalled since the spring of 2024, with only a few tentative agreements in place. That responsibility now fell to me and my interim leadership team to finalize,” Branscomb wrote in a communication to party members.

This email, sent on April 19, drew criticism from prominent Democrats, including Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. Branscomb criticized Kelly and past leaders for complicating his transition after his election over former Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano.

Former Party Director Morgan Dick, dismissed by Branscomb, refuted his claims, calling them “riddled with inaccuracies.” The union also countered Branscomb’s depiction, stating that bargaining has been ongoing and transparent since before Branscomb’s tenure.

Tate highlighted that the union has conducted eight meetings with party leaders since November, with half of those taking place under the current administration. The union’s demands include annual cost of living adjustments for staff.

“Inflation affects everyone, and we believe every worker in every workplace should receive an annual cost of living adjustment,” Tate stated. “We’re really working to remind our management at the headquarters and Arizona workers that without a cost of living adjustment, any raises that we may secure mean less.”

Some Democratic members and officials express concern that the party’s internal conflict with the union contradicts its public commitments. In 2023, the Arizona Democratic Party embraced a “21st Century Economic Bill of Rights,” which includes a pledge to support organized labor.

The document’s second tenet emphasizes “the right to a voice and protections in the workplace through a union and collective bargaining.” Arizona Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-Phoenix) echoed this sentiment on social media, stating, “The [Arizona Democratic Party] is the party of working people and we must live out the values – starting in our own house. I urge party leadership to come to the bargaining table with ADP Union members in good faith.” Ortiz’s tweet further underscores the need for alignment between declared principles and actions.