Update 3:55pm CT, Dec. 3: A spokesman for Senator Schumer’s office told the Daily Dot that the post was made in error and that “eligible” interns for Schumer will receive stipends in January.
The original story appears below.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is apparently looking for an unpaid press intern, sparking outrage from people online who called the posting hypocritical.
The job posting was pointed out by Michael Whitney, a newsletter editor for the Intercept.
The posting calls for unpaid interns to work full-time and handle numerous tasks in the minority leader’s press office including: writing press releases, answering questions from reporters, and compiling press clips.
https://twitter.com/michaelwhitney/status/1069625701878415362
Many people on Twitter found the unpaid internship disingenuous considering Schumer has supported the idea of a $15 minimum wage.
In an op-ed for the New York Times, Schumer heralded the idea of a minimum wage increase to $15 as part of the “Better Deal” initiative from Democrats.
As Mic notes, it is not unusual for members of Congress not to pay interns—however, several members of Congress do pay interns. Earlier this summer the Times reported that there was a proposal to allocate $5 million for paying interns in the Senate.
Schumer’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by the Daily Dot.
The idea of Schumer not paying interns was not met well with people on Twitter.
This is why holding democratic leadership accountable is a far cry from “divisive,” it is absolutely imperative.
— Caroline Kamm (@caroline_kamm) December 3, 2018
These practices need to be called out and plowed under, particularly in a party that claims to stand for progressive values. https://t.co/CnsFsAW39Z
What kind of person do you think can afford to volunteer full time? https://t.co/TVEiEOZXd9
— Rob Chappell (@robchappell365) December 3, 2018
This is correct. The Democratic leader in the Senate should be setting the example. Unpaid internships benefit children with wealthy parents who can afford to live in DC with no income. We need to do better. https://t.co/rLjpSsC3Wj
— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) December 3, 2018
Chuck Schumer: setting an example for no one. https://t.co/euXnGCJr8S
— I am Jack’s deteriorating rule of law (@LampersMichael) December 3, 2018
Today’s irritating little tear-off page from the “365 Reasons to #DumpChuck” desk calendar https://t.co/UZl38UnvIi
— Chase Madar (@madar.bsky.social) (@ChaseMadar) December 3, 2018
I guess Chuck Schumer only supports a $15.00/hr minimum wage for private businesses. https://t.co/3CkOptKRR5
— Joe Sullivan (@thesullyman) December 3, 2018
@SenSchumer – do better https://t.co/4IuOA1HleG
— RJ Swinton (@RicoSuaveJD) December 3, 2018
Hey @ChuckSchumer, if you claim to work for ALL Americans and work for fair wages, you should be paying your interns.
— Alex Palombo (@AlexPalombo) December 3, 2018
DC’s expensive, and college credit doesn’t pay for rent or groceries. There’s only a wealthy few who can afford to work for free. https://t.co/L1eUm6rved
Pay your interns.
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