Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

Overview

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is a prominent labor union in North America. It is the fastest-growing labor union in the region, with nearly 2 million members across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. SEIU focuses on organizing workers in the healthcare, public services, and property services sectors to improve their working conditions and the services they provide.

History

SEIU was founded on April 23, 1921, as the Building Service Employees International Union (BSEIU), initially representing janitors, elevator operators, and window washers. Over time, the union expanded its scope and, in 1968, it renamed itself to reflect its broader membership base. In 1980 and throughout the 1990s, SEIU experienced significant growth through mergers with other unions, including the International Jewelry Workers' Union and the Drug, Hospital, and Health Care Employees Union.

Membership and Activities

SEIU is one of the largest unions in the United States, representing more than 100 occupations. It is the largest healthcare union and the second-largest public employees union. The union is known for its advocacy on issues like healthcare reform, increased minimum wages, and workers' rights. SEIU has been a strong supporter of Democratic candidates and policies, notably the Affordable Care Act and the Fight for $15 initiative to increase wages for fast-food workers.

International and Global Efforts

SEIU collaborates with unions in over 40 countries through its Global Organizing Partnership division. This effort aims to elevate the standard of living for workers globally by pushing multinational corporations to provide comparable wages and benefits. SEIU also supports the formation of unions in countries where workers lack these rights.

Local Unions

SEIU includes numerous local branches, such as SEIU 32BJ, which represents over 170,000 property service workers and is involved in campaigns like Justice for Janitors. Another notable local is SEIU Local 87, originally part of the Building Service Employees International Union, which has organized strikes for better workplace conditions and pay.

Affiliations and Politics

SEIU is affiliated with major labor organizations like the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress. It actively supports progressive causes and has been a significant spender in political campaigns, particularly in support of Democratic candidates and issues.