SEIU Local 721

SEIU Local 721 is a Service Employees International Union local union representing over 95,000 public sector and non-profit workers in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, and Orange County. The local union was formed in 1995 through the merger of several smaller unions, including SEIU Local 434 and SEIU Local 535, with the goal of creating a stronger, more unified voice for workers in Southern California. SEIU Local 721 is affiliated with the California Labor Federation and the AFL-CIO, and works closely with other unions, such as the United Teachers Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. The local union is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

● History

SEIU Local 721 has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, when SEIU Local 434 was formed to represent Los Angeles County workers. Over the years, the local union has undergone several mergers and name changes, including the formation of SEIU Local 535 in the 1970s and the merger with SEIU Local 399 in the 1980s. In 1995, the local union merged with several other smaller unions to form SEIU Local 721, with the goal of creating a stronger, more unified voice for workers in Southern California. The local union has been led by several prominent leaders, including Gina Eubanks and Bob Schoonover, who have worked to build the union's membership and bargaining power. SEIU Local 721 has also worked closely with other unions, such as the United Farm Workers and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, to advocate for workers' rights and social justice.

● Structure and Membership

SEIU Local 721 is a democratic union with a membership that includes workers from a wide range of occupations, including Los Angeles County social workers, City of Los Angeles librarians, and UCLA hospital workers. The local union is governed by a General Council made up of elected delegates from each of the union's chapters, and is led by a President and Executive Board. SEIU Local 721 is also a member of the California Nurses Association and the National Nurses United, and works closely with other healthcare unions, such as the American Nurses Association and the Healthcare Workers Union. The local union has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has worked to build alliances with community organizations, such as the NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens.

● Collective Bargaining and Contracts

SEIU Local 721 is a strong advocate for collective bargaining and has negotiated several major contracts with employers, including the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles. The local union has also worked to build alliances with other unions, such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Auto Workers, to advocate for workers' rights and better wages and benefits. SEIU Local 721 has a strong commitment to social justice and has worked to address issues such as income inequality and racial justice, and has partnered with organizations such as the Economic Policy Institute and the Center for American Progress to advocate for progressive policies. The local union has also worked closely with California State Legislature members, such as Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senator Maria Elena Durazo, to pass legislation that benefits workers and their families.

● Political Activity and Advocacy

SEIU Local 721 is a strong advocate for progressive policies and has worked to build alliances with community organizations, such as the ACLU of Southern California and the Southern California Immigration Coalition. The local union has also worked to elect candidates who support workers' rights and social justice, and has endorsed candidates such as Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla. SEIU Local 721 has a strong commitment to voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, and has worked to build partnerships with organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. The local union has also worked closely with other unions, such as the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers, to advocate for education and healthcare policies that benefit workers and their families.

● Notable Actions and Controversies

SEIU Local 721 has been involved in several notable actions and controversies over the years, including a major strike by Los Angeles County social workers in 2019 and a campaign to improve wages and benefits for UCLA hospital workers. The local union has also worked to address issues such as police brutality and immigrant rights, and has partnered with organizations such as the Black Lives Matter movement and the National Immigration Law Center. SEIU Local 721 has a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, and has worked to build trust with its members and the broader community. The local union has also worked closely with other unions, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Laborers' International Union of North America, to advocate for workers' rights and social justice. Category:Labor unions in the United States