The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has made the decision to rejoin the AFL-CIO after a 20-year absence. This move is aimed at strengthening the labor movement and providing better support for workers facing challenges in organizing and joining unions.
Both executive boards of the union groups unanimously approved the affiliation, with the official announcement scheduled to take place during a roundtable discussion in Austin, Texas. The SEIU represents approximately 2 million workers in various sectors such as health care, janitorial, and food services. This addition will bring the total number of AFL-CIO members to nearly 15 million, enhancing the federation's political influence.
The decision to reunite was not directly linked to the recent election results, according to AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SEIU President April Verrett. However, they emphasized the importance of presenting a united front in the face of a Washington administration that has not consistently supported labor-friendly policies.
Shuler highlighted the need for working people to have their voices heard, especially in the current political climate. Verrett expressed the union's commitment to organizing efforts and the pursuit of greater influence and power.
The SEIU had previously left the AFL-CIO in 2005, citing concerns about the declining union membership in the U.S. Despite ongoing challenges, union leaders believe there is a significant interest among workers to join unions. By rejoining the AFL-CIO, the SEIU aims to leverage shared resources and strategies to address resistance to unionization.
Following President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection, both the AFL-CIO and SEIU endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election. The Teamsters chose not to endorse a candidate, a move interpreted by Trump as a victory. The incoming labor secretary nominee, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has expressed support for union policies.
According to AP VoteCast, a survey of voters in the November elections, 18% of the electorate came from union households, with a majority supporting Harris. These developments underscore the evolving dynamics within the labor movement and its intersection with national politics.
