WASHINGTON — After two decades apart, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is rejoining the AFL-CIO, believing that a stronger, unified labor movement will better assist workers facing legal obstacles to organizing and joining unions.
On Wednesday, both organizations’ executive boards unanimously agreed to the merger, with plans to officially announce the affiliation during a roundtable discussion scheduled for Thursday in Austin, Texas. This event will include workers who are actively seeking to unionize. The SEIU represents around 2 million workers in sectors such as healthcare, janitorial services, and food services. Their rejoining will bring the total AFL-CIO membership close to 15 million, enhancing the political power of a federation that already comprises 60 different unions.
In interviews, both AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SEIU President April Verrett clarified that the decision to reaffiliate was not influenced by the recent presidential election, despite the current political landscape being shaped by a Republican administration.
However, they acknowledge the necessity of establishing a political presence in a Trump-led Washington, where attention to labor interests has been mixed, often lacking support for vital policies concerning wages, overtime, and union rights. “We are amassing our forces, building our strength and our power before the inauguration,” remarked Shuler. “Working people will continue to demand that our voices be heard.” Verrett reinforced that the political scenario did not impact the decision directly, although it did confirm the need for strategic strength. “We are determined to organize in unprecedented ways — and that requires real power,” she emphasized.
President Joe Biden weighed in on the issue, calling the merger significant and stating, “Their affiliation will help workers across the country to organize, earn higher wages, receive better benefits, and build retirement security.”
Historically, the SEIU and the Teamsters union exited the AFL-CIO in 2005, with SEIU leaders believing the federation was inadequate in addressing the declining percentage of American workers who are unionized. Despite continuing declines in union membership over the last two decades, leaders believe that about 60 million individuals are interested in unionizing if given the opportunity. By reuniting with the AFL-CIO, they hope to enhance the sharing of research and effective practices for overcoming employer and government resistance to union efforts.
After President Biden concluded his reelection campaign, both the AFL-CIO and SEIU extended their support to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate. Conversely, the Teamsters opted not to endorse, a decision that Trump regarded as favorable for his campaign. His nominee for labor secretary is former Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican from Oregon who has shown support for union-related policies.
An extensive survey, AP VoteCast, highlighted that 18% of voters in the recent elections came from union households, with 54% supporting Harris and 44% casting their votes for Trump.
