Democrats’ Own Workers Rebel as DNC Orders Five-Day Return to Office

In the belly of the Democratic beast, where virtue-signaling meets the grind of actual work, the DNC's pampered union drones just got a rude awakening: clock in or clock out.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin ordered all Washington, D.C.-based staff to return to full in-person work five days a week starting in February, announcing the policy during an all-staff meeting Wednesday.

The DNC staff union blasted the directive in a statement.

"It was shocking to see the DNC chair disregard staff’s valid concerns on today’s team call," the union leadership said. "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 in July, said it is "considering its options."

That agreement allows workers to "request to work remotely on occasion."

Martin told staff that flexibility remains for family, medical and other personal matters warranting remote work, a DNC official said.

He argued that in-person collaboration boosts brainstorming and speeds time-sensitive decisions, especially with momentum from last week's off-year elections.

Martin stressed that the 2025 cycle differs from 2026 midterms, when states and the party will rely more on DNC support, the official said.

Staff pushed back on the Zoom call with thumbs-down emojis and questions, per the New York Times.

Some noted Democrats won in 2020 under remote work and could repeat in 2028.

Nationwide, companies ended remote policies post-COVID-19 pandemic.

"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, former senior adviser to President Joe Biden, posted on X.

"Everyone should work a traditional campaign before doing a PAC/committee," said Monica Venzke, House communications director at American Bridge 21st Century super PAC.

Republicans reveled.

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

The DNC clashed with its union last year over post-election layoffs.

Martin earlier navigated fallout from former Vice Chair David Hogg, who sought the role while meddling in primaries via his PAC, which Martin opposed.

While America braces for real battles, the DNC's snowflakes melt over cubicles—proof the party of "workers" can't handle actual work.