AFL-CIO and SEIU Unite to Empower Workers and Combat Union-Busting

SEIU Rejoins AFL-CIO in Major Union Movement

The nation's most extensive labor federation expands as two million service and care workers align with nearly 13 million existing members.

Commitment to advancing workers' rights, organizing across industries, and challenging anti-worker actions announced at upcoming roundtable.

In a pivotal move for American labor, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) joins forces with the AFL-CIO once again, significantly bolstering the union federation's membership to nearly 15 million. This strategic alliance aims to reinforce workers' abilities to organize and collectively bargain, confronting union-busting tactics prevalent in many industries.

The official reunion will be spotlighted during a roundtable discussion on January 9th in Austin, Texas, preceding the AFL-CIO’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference. Workers attending will share personal narratives underscoring the necessity for revamped unionization rules.

Labor movement leaders, Liz Shuler and April Verrett, emphasize their vision to transcend traditional barriers and embrace innovative strategies for worker empowerment. Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, remarked, "Workers know it’s better in a union, and together we are stronger in our organizing and bargaining fights because there is power in unity."

Echoing these sentiments, SEIU President April Verrett stated that their members are ready to propel a new era of labor power, united with AFL-CIO workers, to forge stronger unions nationwide. "Working people have been organizing our workplaces and communities to build a stronger economy and democracy," Verrett affirmed.

Despite systemic challenges rooted in racism, sexism, and corporate resistance, recent victories demonstrate the potential for change. Electric bus manufacturing employees in Georgia, ride-sharing drivers in Massachusetts, and workers in Missouri have all made significant strides in securing union rights and fair compensation.

Naomi Martinez, a Starbucks barista, expresses pride in participating in this movement, challenging corporate giants and politicians in unison with diverse industry workers. Meanwhile, Adrian Reyna, a unionized public school educator, highlights the communal benefits of robust union representation, which extends beyond workplace improvements to broader social gains.

Lawrence Moore, a GE plant worker in Ohio, and Shae Parker, a Waffle House employee in South Carolina, share their transformative experiences of organizing and the collective strength found in solidarity. These stories underscore the broader push for union inclusivity and stronger labor laws to benefit all workers.

Addressing the Gap in Union Membership

With over 60 million American workers expressing a desire to join unions, the considerable gap between this interest and actual membership signifies a legal and policy shortfall. Current laws permit corporations to intimidate organizing workers, though public support for unions remains robust, with 70% of Americans in favor.

In response, the AFL-CIO and SEIU pledge to combat these obstacles by advocating for legislation that guarantees every worker's right to unionize safely. Their collaborative efforts will focus on:

• Promoting rules to enhance organizing rights and expanding coverage to all workers, including those previously excluded.
• Holding political leaders accountable for facilitating environments where union jobs are accessible, well-compensated, and come with comprehensive benefits.
• Demanding legislative action to develop stronger, more inclusive labor laws and ensure public spending supports union job creation.
• Supporting nationwide efforts against anti-union corporations and synchronizing multi-union and multi-sector campaigns.

For more information, contact Mia Jacobs at 202-637-5018.