Service Employees International Union

Service Employees International Union
Name	Service Employees International Union
Founded	1921
Members	~2 million
Country	United States, Canada
Affiliation	AFL–CIO, Change to Win Federation
Key people	Mary Kay Henry (President)
Website	https://www.seiu.org

Service Employees International Union. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing labor unions in North America, representing approximately 2 million workers across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1921, it has become a powerful force in organizing low-wage service sector employees, including healthcare workers, janitors, and public service employees. The union is known for its innovative organizing strategies and its influential role in national and local politics.

History

The union was founded in 1921 as the Building Service Employees International Union, initially organizing janitors and elevator operators in major cities like Chicago and New York City. Under the leadership of figures such as David Sullivan, it expanded significantly during the mid-20th century, merging with other unions including the Drug, Hospital, and Health Care Employees Union. A pivotal moment came in 1995 when then-President John Sweeney was elected president of the AFL–CIO, signaling the union's rising influence. In 2005, it was a founding member of the breakaway Change to Win Federation, though it later reaffiliated with the AFL–CIO in 2022.

Structure and governance

The union is governed by an International Executive Board, led by its International President, a position held since 2010 by Mary Kay Henry. It is composed of numerous local unions across the United States and Canada, such as SEIU Local 32BJ in the Northeast and SEIU Healthcare in several states. Major decisions are ratified at its quadrennial International Convention, where delegates from all locals assemble. The union's structure includes several joint councils and statewide councils that coordinate activities across different regions and sectors.

Political activity and campaigns

It is one of the most politically active unions in the United States, consistently mobilizing its members and resources for electoral campaigns and policy advocacy. It played a major role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act and has been a staunch supporter of increasing the federal minimum wage. The union's political arm, SEIU COPE, is a significant donor, and it has heavily supported Democratic candidates, including Barack Obama and Joe Biden. It also leads major grassroots campaigns like the Fight for $15, which has successfully pushed for higher wage laws in multiple states and cities.

Member sectors and demographics

Members work primarily in three key sectors: healthcare, property services, and public services. The healthcare division includes nurses, nursing home workers, and hospital staff represented by entities like SEIU United Healthcare Workers West. The property services division represents janitors, security officers, and maintenance workers through locals such as SEIU Local 87. The public sector division includes local and state government employees, including workers in California and Illinois. The membership is predominantly female and includes a high proportion of Black and Latino workers.

Major strikes and contracts

The union has been involved in numerous high-profile labor actions to secure better contracts. The Justice for Janitors campaign, notably the 1990 Los Angeles strike, won major improvements for custodial workers. In 2018, tens of thousands of its members in California, under the banner of SEIU Local 1000, staged a massive strike against the state. In 2023, healthcare workers represented by SEIU Healthcare Minnesota conducted a historic three-day strike against several hospital systems. These actions have frequently resulted in landmark contracts setting new standards for wages and benefits across entire industries.

Criticism and controversies

The union has faced criticism from both conservative groups and within the labor movement. It has been scrutinized for its heavy spending on political activities and its close ties to the Democratic Party. Internal disputes have occurred, such as the 2009 trusteeship of its large SEIU United Healthcare Workers West local, which led to a split and the formation of the rival National Union of Healthcare Workers. Some critics, including the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, have accused it of using aggressive tactics to organize home care workers paid through public funds. Its support for immigration reform has also drawn opposition from some political factions.

Category:Trade unions in the United States Category:Healthcare trade unions Category:Organizations established in 1921