(2003-11-08) -- Workers on Rep. Dick Gephardt's presidential campaign staff went on strike today, protesting a wage reduction that Mr. Gephardt blamed on union organizers who this week announced support for rival Howard Dean.

Strikers paced the street before Mr. Gephardt's St. Louis, MO, campaign headquarters carrying handmade signs which read "Gephardt Mishandles Handlers," "Fair Wage for Hacks & Flacks" and "Will Spin for Food."

"I blame the unions," said Mr. Gephardt. "Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) endorsed Howard Dean. We've taken a big financial hit. As I've always said, unions are killing American competitiveness."