In a significant development just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term, two major unions, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and AFL-CIO, have announced a reaffiliation to combat union-busting and advocate for working-class families. This reunion, after a split in 2005, will increase AFL-CIO’s membership from 13 to 15 million workers. The SEIU emphasizes the importance of placing working people at the forefront of the economy and ending poverty wage work.
SEIU International President April Verrett, at a roundtable discussion in Austin, Texas, stated, “It is damn past time for unions for all.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler underscored the need for unity in bargaining to counteract political strategies that divide workers. She noted the fear among billionaires and executives, including Trump, of workers uniting across different industries and backgrounds.
Both unions support Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for President, opposing Trump’s “anti-worker” agenda. Trump has openly criticized union leaders, including UAW President Shawn Fain, and Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, who called Trump “one tough S.O.B.” at the Republican National Convention. Despite past endorsements for Democrats, the Teamsters have not endorsed a candidate this election.
The reunification occurs amid efforts by Trump allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), proposing a 75% reduction in the federal workforce. This proposal has drawn criticism from union leaders, who argue Musk and Ramaswamy misunderstand federal workforce operations. Randy Erwin, President of the National Federation of Federal Employees, voiced strong opposition.
Trump plans to shift the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) stance by replacing pro-worker General Counsel Jennifer Abbruzzo with a pro-business nominee. In response, SEIU plans to “unleash a new era of worker power,” aiming to rewrite labor laws and challenge union-busting corporations and government policies.
Nina Meyers, an SEIU Healthcare Michigan member, highlighted the union’s role in organizing home health care workers in Detroit, leading to legislation enabling collective bargaining for over 35,000 workers. The AFL-CIO noted that 60 million Americans would join a union if laws permitted, and polling shows strong public support for unions.
A press release stated that the gap between those wanting to join unions and those who do reflects a failure in law and policy. SEIU and AFL-CIO are committed to ensuring every worker can safely join unions to improve wages and job conditions.
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