Put a Stop to Blue Cross Blue Shield's Stranglehold on NC's Health Insurance Industry

Nov 06, 2009 - Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield sent out a mass mailing asking NC recipients to send a pre-paid postcard to Democratic Senator Kay Hagan to pressure her into opposing health care reform, which includes a public option to make insurance companies compete. SEANC is calling on Blue Cross to stop using health care dollars to fund their political machine and protect their bottom line. Read more...

Dallas Members Celebrate the Big 2% Raise

Nov 05, 2009 - Eight months of members advocating for a base pay increase has paid off in a big way for SEIU Texas members in Dallas. In the worst economy since the Great Depression and one of the City's worst budget years ever, employees within the following SEIU job classifications received a 2% base pay increase on October 1st: Crew Leaders, Equipment Operators, Laborers, and Truck Drivers. Read more...

BREAKING: Layoffs for unionized Puerto Rican workers postponed until January 8

Nov 03, 2009 - Members of SPT-SEIU Local 1996 in Puerto Rico scored a victory when Superior Judge Carlos Dávila Vélez granted their petition to stop the Department of Education's (DE) plans to lay-off 6,000 workers on Friday, giving them an additional 30 days on the job. SEIU's petition claimed the DE failed to follow proper notification procedures requiring notice to workers 30 days prior to letters of dismissal. Read more...

The Path to Sustainable Economic Recovery

Nov 02, 2009 - Last week, we learned that the swift action by the President and Congress to pass an economic recovery package earlier this year helped stave off a global economic recession, put our economy back on the path of growth, and helped save hundreds of thousands of jobs. Read more...

New clash between Puerto Rican police & protestors

Oct 25, 2009 - A scuffle erupted between protesters and the police on Thursday, after several hundred union members and activists finished a rally against Governor Luis Fortuño outside El Conquistador hotel, where the Governor held a conference with business companies on public-private partnerships. Read more...

No trick to union treats for Halloween

Oct 23, 2009 - When those little ghosts and goblins (or, we're predicting, Michael Jacksons) come collecting on Halloween, make sure you have a full supply of union-made goodies to hand out. No, not our latest flyers on the economic crisis. We mean candies made by union workers. Read more...

Crash the Bankers' Party in Chicago

Oct 23, 2009 - If you could get all the architects of the banks/bailout scam together in one place, what would you say to them? Hurry up and decide, because they're all getting together in Chicago this weekend-- and we're headed there to meet them. The big bank execs are gathering in the Windy City for the American Bankers Association conference, for a 4 day celebration of wealth and opulence paid for by our tax dollars. Read more...

Will eggs fly at Governor Fortuño's head tomorrow?

Oct 21, 2009 - Workers to picket Fortuño meeting: Tomorrow, coalition Todo Puerto Rico Por Puerto Rico will picket outside the meeting Governor Fortuño is having with business companies to discuss the privatization of public projects and agencies. Read more...

Around the Union: Locals Round-up

Oct 19, 2009 - Quick hits around the union from ULTCW, SEIU Massachusetts, SEIU District 1199, CSEA, Local 5-Virginia, SEANC, Local 721 and 32BJ. Read more...

The greatest public demonstration in Puerto Rican history

Oct 18, 2009 - The one day General Strike that mobilized around 150,000 workers and citizens to protest Governor Fortuño's massive layoffs took place in Puerto Rico on October 15. Chair of SEIU Healthcare Dennis Rivera, Executive Vice President Eliseo Medina and Local 1966 President Roberto Pagan joined the historic protest along with hundreds of thousands of Puerto Rican workers, SEIU members, faith leaders, students and citizens in what's being called 'the greatest public demonstration in Puerto Rico's history.' Read more...

Photos from today's massive demonstration in Puerto Rico

Oct 15, 2009 - Enjoy the slideshow from today's strike by workers to protest Gov. Fortuño's layoffs--the largest demonstration in Puerto Rico's history. We'll keep the site and photostream updated as we get more from the ground in Puerto Rico. Updates on all things Puerto Rico on SEIU's Blog here. You can also follow SEIU on Twitter for updates. Read more...

Defeat of fear well underway in Puerto Rican general strike

Oct 15, 2009 - Two successful events that have already taken place today in the strike include the closing of Plaza Las Americas and more significantly, the defeat of fear. Hundreds of thousands of workers are now marching for justice, overcoming the campaign of media terror launched by the Puerto Rican Government during the last days. Protesters are marching from seven different locations of the Banks Zone in San Juan today, heading towards the southern side of Plaza Las Americas--which is expected to largest public gathering in Puerto Rican history. Read more...

On the Eve of the General Strike in Puerto Rico

Oct 14, 2009 - It's a very tense evening in Puerto Rico tonight--you can feel it in the streets and towns around the Island. Tomorrow the workers' movement and its allies will face a showdown with the Government police and paramilitary forces, as the general strike called to protest massive layoffs in the public service will begin in the early hours of the day. Read more...

Stop Puerto Rico's George Bush

Oct 14, 2009 - Tomorrow, over 200,000 people are preparing to take to the streets in a general strike, and Puerto Rican Governor Luis Fortuño is threatening to charge the protesters with terrorism. Not even Karl Rove and George Bush tried that. Violating the civil rights of your own citizens is unacceptable--ask Congress to hold hearings on Fortuño's anti-American behavior. Read more...

Celebs use their star status to support laid-off Puerto Rican workers

Oct 10, 2009 - Puerto Rican Grammy award winning group Calle 13 announced they will speak out against Governor Fortuño's massive layoffs of nearly 17K public service workers live at the Latin MTV Awards on October 15th. The award show is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, CA on the same day the national workers' strike will be taking place in Puerto Rico. Read more...

Potential home care cuts could be a humanitarian disaster

Oct 06, 2009 - SEIU members, disability, senior-citizen rights groups filed a lawsuit in San Francisco federal court Friday to stop 130,000 people from either being dropped or cut from California's In-Home Supportive Services program as of Nov. 1. Nearly one hundred thousand people would be part of the group only having 'some' of their services cut--which sounds almost positive compared to those that will lose all of their in-home care, right? Except when you consider the actual breakdown of these services to be lost... Read more...

SEIU Local 1000 family among victims of Typhoon in Philippines

Oct 05, 2009 - On Saturday, September 26, Typhoon Ondoy struck the Philippines with the heaviest rainfall recorded, followed by the worst flooding in 40 years. "This has had a significant impact on the families of some of our members, including Ramon Alcantara, whose family has lost many of their possessions, and almost lost Ramon's son," says SEIU Local 1000 president Yvonne Walker in a message on the Local's website. Read more...

Snapshot of recent worker actions protesting Puerto Rican Governor's mass layoffs

Oct 03, 2009 - he temperature is rising fast in the labor climate in Puerto Rico as a result of the 16,970 public employees laid off by Governor Fortuño on one stroke last Friday. Several scenarios accounted for the increased tension yesterday between government and workers, both organized and unorganized, and leaders from SEIU-affiliated locals SPT (Local 1996) and UGT continued their peaceful protests across Puerto Rico. to demand a roll back of the layoffs. Read more...

Puerto Rican Workers Fight Back Against Massive Layoffs; Declare Seat of Labor Secretary "Vacant"

Oct 01, 2009 - The second civil act of disobedience in three days protesting the Fortuño Administration's layoffs of 17,000 public employees ended early this afternoon, when Puerto Rican labor leaders from unions including SEIU Local 1996SPT pronounced the Labor Secretary's position "vacant" and declared incumbent Miguel Romero "persona non grata." More details on how Puerto Rican workers and supporters are fighting back against the government's unjust layoffs here.. Read more...

Puerto Rican Governor sicks SWAT team and police brutality on laid-off workers holding peaceful protest

Sep 30, 2009 - On Tuesday in San Juan, peaceful demonstrators outside of the official estate of Puerto Rican Governor Luis Fortuño were violently removed by SWAT team agents and arrested, despite assurances that they would leave peacefully and not resist arrest. Labor leaders and other demonstrators protesting the massive 16K+ firing of Puerto Rican state employees are shoved and billyclubbed by SWAT team ordered by Governor Fortuño. Read more...

County Employees Rally for Better LA as Contract Clock Runs Out

Sep 30, 2009 - With contracts between LA County and its largest employee union set to expire at midnight on September 30, more than 2,000 LA County employees called on the Board of Supervisors to support an agreement that protects services in the economic downturn. Read more...

Puerto Rican Workers Chain Themselves to Gates of Governor's Mansion

Sep 29, 2009 - Puerto Rican union leaders instituted Camp of Dignity and Shame today in front of La Fortalez, the San Juan home of the Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño. ""This is Camp Dignity and we will not move from here," said Robert Pagán, president of SEIU Local 1996SPT , who is one of four union leaders who chained themselves to the gates of the Governor's home in an act of civil disobedience to stand up against the announcement from the government dismissing thousands of public sector employees. Read more...

Public Division Contracts

Sep 29, 2009 - Public Division Contracts Read more...

Where Does Your Senator Stand?

Sep 29, 2009 - the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on an amendment to include a public option in their health care bill. Guess what - one of your Senators sits on the committee. We can't lose this debate. Will you call your Senator? Dial 1-866-311-3405 and urge your Senator to support a public option. Read more...

SEIU Local 721 Launches AccountableCalifornia.org

Sep 11, 2009 - SEIU Local 721 in southern California has launched a new website dedicated to exposing waste in government spending and improving the delivery of public services. The site is a part of the local's new Center for Public Accountability project, which also promotes protections for whistleblowers. Read more...

Andy Stern: Labor Can Play a Role in "Making Government Cool Again"

Sep 08, 2009 - In honor of Labor Day, a new website from the Ash Institute at Harvard's Kennedy School that highlights the best innovations from across the public sector published a column by SEIU President Andy Stern. In his piece, Stern shares his view on how those working in the public-sector can make a positive difference in promoting transparency and cost effectiveness. Read more...

Share your Labor Day photos and video

Sep 08, 2009 - One hundred and twenty-seven years after the first Labor Day parade, we still take a day to honor America's workers. Did you attend a Labor Day celebration, march or rally with SEIU members or any of our coalition partners? We want to know! Use this form to upload your photos, audio and video capturing your Labor Day experience. Read more...

Change Your Pic for Health Care

Sep 08, 2009 - Late last week, a simple message began spreading like wildfire on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It read: "No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick." As a more lasting way to demonstrate your support of health insurance reform online, download our healthcare avatar and change your profile picture in support of health insurance reform. Read more...

Judge tentatively rules that state fund furloughs for 6,000 California workers are illegal

Sep 02, 2009 - Yesterday, a Superior Court judge issued a tentative ruling that State Compensation Insurance Fund employees are exempt from Governor Schwarzenegger's furloughs. The lawsuit affects over 6,000 clerical and professional SEIU Local 1000 workers who work for the fund, which provides worker's compensation insurance to employers. Read more...

Massachusetts Mental Health Workers Vote to Join SEIU Local 509

Aug 19, 2009 - Mental health care workers at the Brien Center in western Massachusetts voted overwhelmingly on August 18 to unite together in SEIU Local 509. The local will now represent 350 workers throughout Berkshire County who provide outpatient services to 9,000 people with mental health challenges, including substance abuse and sexual abuse. Read more...

CA State Budget: Kindergarten Cop turns on kids

Aug 05, 2009 - Gov. Schwarzenegger signed the state budget into law last week, but not before chopping another half billion dollars from services for women, children, the sick and the elderly - services that just days before he'd agreed not to cut any further. Read more...

95,000 CA state workers vote to strike if necessary

Aug 04, 2009 - By a 74 percent margin, SEIU Local 1000 state workers in California voted to step up pressure on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to ensure that the contract signed with the governor's representatives this past February is ratified. Read more...

Pet owners forced to choose between feeding their pets or families

Jul 29, 2009 - Pat Bryan, Ventura County Steward and Animal Control Officer knows first-hand the impact of job loss, foreclosures and a weak economy. The animal kennels in his California region are filled to capacity, and shelter officials say they are seeing more and more pets being brought in by their owners because they can't afford to care for their pets, or they have lost their homes and have to move to apartments or mobile homes that don't allow dogs or cats. Read more...

California budget deal missing actual solution

Jul 21, 2009 - In spite of the fact that months of debate between CA lawmakers on how to resolve the state's $26 billion budget deficit may be finally coming to an end, there can be no cause for celebration when the 'solution' does not reflect the priorities of a vast majority of California voters. Read more...

Defense of the status quo is not acceptable

Jul 20, 2009 - SEIU Local 21LA member Eula Williams thinks back on her younger years and remembers when her family was forced to use homemade 'remedies' including "fatback" and "cod oil" because they couldn't afford traditional medicines for ailments such as a sore throat or pneumonia. "I know what it is like to be without healthcare," said Williams, explaining why she didn't hesitate to come to Washington, DC to promote healthcare reform as a Grassroots Lobbyist for SEIU earlier this summer. Read more...

Letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger: Trail of broken campaign promises must end

Jul 14, 2009 - "Governor, we've sacrificed. And we've now reached our limit. We cannot, and will not, allow you to use us as pawns in your political power game," writes SEIU Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker in a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger concerning the California union's contract deal and latest budget proposal. The Governor's proposal seeks to pile on an additional 5 percent pay reduction or fourth furloughed work day for more than 230,000 state workers. Read more...

End the war on home care

Jul 02, 2009 - A U.S. District Court judge issued a preliminary injunction last week ordering the state of California to halt pay cuts for the state's 400,000 home care workers. Now that a court has ruled against the Governor and his cuts, we need to ask him to reverse course on these short-sighted cuts. Read more...

Governor Rell's veto stamps out dreams of working people

Jul 02, 2009 - The unions in the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC), District 1199 launched their latest TV ad this week taking aim at Governor Jodi Rell for protecting the wealthy in a time of crisis. Read more...

Time's up: SEIU members and Californians crank up the heat on Schwarzenegger

Jul 01, 2009 - Governor Schwarzenegger has indicated that his idea of "shared sacrifice" is to force the entire budget burden on working families and those who can least afford it. He has refused to support a budget that contains his own previous proposals for modest oil extraction fees and insurance fees that would fund critical public safety services. SEIU Local 1000 is liveblogging from their rally at the Capitol in Sacramento. Read more...

Five Hundred LA City Employees Vote to Join SEIU

Jun 29, 2009 - As the City of Los Angeles faces an unprecedented budget crisis, nearly 500 city engineers have just voted to unite in SEIU 721 to have a stronger voice at work and unite with the 22,000 other City employees in the Coalition of LA City Unions, of which SEIU 721 is a member. Read more...

CA lawmakers reject Schwarzenegger's pay cuts to state workers and reduce cuts to home care

Jun 18, 2009 - On Tuesday, lawmakers on the California Legislature's joint budget committee refused to cut state worker pay and spared that state's In-Home Support Services the major cut that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed as part of his plan to solve the state's $24.3 billion deficit. Read more...

SEIU Workers in Puerto Rico Lead March Against 30,000+ Layoffs

Jun 15, 2009 - Led in part by SEIU Local 1996 in Puerto Rico, close to 100,000 union members, students, and other activists marched in front of the capitol building in San Juan last week to protest Governor Luis Fortuño's plan to lay off more than 30,000 government employees and suspend public sector collective bargaining rights. Read more...

Illinois home care worker on budget cuts: "When you take jobs away from poor people, it's only going to create more poor people."

Jun 15, 2009 - As a home care worker in Chicago, Rebia currently receives a $9.85 an hour, her only source of income. Billions in budget cuts to critical human services programs are set to take effect on July 1st - leaving 80,000 working parents without child care, over 40,000 seniors and people with disabilities without home care and countless other families devastated by drastic cuts to the programs they depend on. Read more...

Maryland Family Child Care Contract Victory!

Jun 12, 2009 - 5,000 family care providers in Maryland won their first contract with the Department of Education and the Governor's Office yesterday. The historic contract includes a nearly three-percent increase in the state subsidy, access to decision-making committees, and the creation of a new Training Committee of state officials and child care providers to recommend future improvements. Read more...

Public Employees Notch Two Victories in Keystone State

Jun 11, 2009 - Workers in two counties on opposite sides of Pennsylvania-- Montgomery County and Westmoreland County--voted late last month to unite for a voice with SEIU Local 668--Pennsylvania's Social Services Union. Read more...

SEIU Study Reveals $34.7 billion in "The Hidden Branch of Government": Unfulfilled California Vendor Contracts Canceled

Jun 10, 2009 - Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued an executive order calling for all unfulfilled state department vendor contracts to be canceled. Schwarzenegger's recognition of the vendor waste is just the tip of the iceberg--SEIU Local 1000 believes the California government is hiding $34.7 billion in some 13,600 vendor contracts. Read more...

New York State employees reach agreement with Gov. Paterson to preserve services, jobs

Jun 09, 2009 - The Public Employees Federation of New York, an SEIU affiliate, reached an agreement with the state's governor that saves the state billions, avoids layoffs, preserves services and protects union contracts. Read more...

SEIU Endorses Feingold Bill To Help Displaced Workers Find Health Care Jobs

Jun 05, 2009 - SEIU has endorsed Community-Based Health Care Retraining Act legislation reintroduced by Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wis.). The new version of the bill, formerly introduced in 2004, 2005 and 2007, would establish a program to distribute grants to colleges and other institution to retrain workers in areas of high unemployment to take jobs in healthcare. Read more...

California Child Care Providers Rally at State Capitol--Call on Lawmakers for Payment Reform

Jun 05, 2009 - Dozens of provider leaders from Child Care Providers United of California--a joint SEIU/AFSCME local union--rallied at the state Capitol in Sacramento and called on lawmakers to support payment reform measures on behalf of providers and working families. Read more...

The Real Face of Schwarzenegger's Cuts to Home Care

Jun 03, 2009 - Governor Schwarzenegger says he thinks every day about the people who will be affected by his proposed cuts to health care will affect. "I know the consequences of those cuts are not just dollars," said the Governor to lawmakers yesterday. "I see the faces behind those dollars." Fresno area home care provider Carlos Martinez and his wife Mikesha Martinez show the real face of those who would be impacted the most by these cuts. Read more...

"I'm too old to get rehired and too young for Social Security."

Jun 02, 2009 - This weekend, about 100 union service employees, police and firefighters in Orlando, FL, met to discuss budget cuts which would force them from their jobs. "It's not the unions causing the crisis. Read more...

Fighting to Protect Fresno Home Care

Jun 01, 2009 - They came from across Fresno County, California, the U.S. and Canada with one mission: to protect Fresno County home care. Between now and July 1st--the date the home care cuts are supposed to take effect--California home care workers, their families and supporters have much to fight for. Read more...

Governor Schwarzenegger: Home Healthcare Is Not A Throw-Away!

May 28, 2009 - Today, SEIU home healthcare members closed their 48-hour vigil with a press conference on the steps of the California statehouse to protest drastic budget cuts which would drive home care workers into poverty and force seniors and people with disabilities into more restrictive and costly institutional settings Read more...

Healthy Families Act Would Guarantee Paid Sick Time for Workers

May 28, 2009 - Too many workers have jobs where they don't have any paid sick days for themselves, much less paid days off to care for a sick child or family members. to the introduction of The Healthy Families Act, introduced in Congress last week, to both sides of Congress last week by Senator Kennedy and Representative DeLauro. The legislation would allow workers to earn up to 7 days of paid sick time, with an accrual of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Read more...

Stop Schwarzenegger's Cruel Cuts

May 27, 2009 - Two years ago, President Barack Obama walked a day in the shoes of SEIU home care worker Pauline Beck. Today, Pauline and home care workers across California face pay cuts of up to 33% -- from $12.10 an hour down to $8. Please send a message to the Governor telling him you strongly disagree with his misguided priorities--we're not going to let this happen without a fight. Read more...

Tonight in California: Thousands Begin 48-Hour Vigils to Protest Massive Cuts

May 26, 2009 - SEIU members, seniors home care givers and community supporters from across the state will hold vigils tonight on the grounds of the State Capitol to protest Schwarzenegger's proposed cutbacks that would reduce vital services to seniors and people with disabilities. Read more...

SEIU California Members Help Defeat Ballot Measures with Dangerous Cuts to Public Services

May 22, 2009 - By overwhelming margins, California voters rejected the false solutions on five ballot measures in the May 19th statewide special election, sending Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature back to the drawing board. SEIU members helped defeat several propositions that would have hobbled the state's public services with devastating cuts to community-based mental health services, health care, education and child welfare. Read more...

Stop California Home Care Cuts

May 22, 2009 - Two years ago, President Obama walked a day in the shoes of SEIU home care worker Pauline Beck. Today, Pauline and home care workers across California face pay cuts of up to 33% -- from $12.10 an hour down to $8. Gov. Schwarzenegger's belief that solving the state's fiscal problems on the backs of those who take care of the most fragile among us is an absolute disgrace--please write him a message telling him you strongly disagree with his misguided priorities. Read more...

Tell Governor Schwarzenegger: No more cuts to home care!

May 21, 2009 - Caring for others. It's probably the most important thing your mother ever taught you. But it's a lesson Gov. Schwarzenegger seems to have forgotten, because on May 14th the governor released a preview of his revised budget, which seeks to implement deeper cuts to the in-home care program by slicing the state's contribution toward home care worker wages by a staggering 20 to 30 percent. Read more...

SEIU Local 721 members Turn Out to Support Mental Health Services

May 18, 2009 - At a rally held at the downtown Los Angeles state building on May 13th, SEIU Local 721 members and community advocates gathered to show support for mental health services and oppose the May 19 ballot measure, Proposition 1E. Read more...

Don't balance the budget on the backs of the mentally ill: Vote NO on Prop. 1E

May 18, 2009 - In 2004, the citizens of California voted to pass legislation intended to take a new pro-active approach to improving community-based health services for the state's most historically marginalized and vulnerable population: people struggling with mental illness. Now Gov. Schwarzenegger and state legislators want to pass a ballot measure, Prop. 1E, which raids $230 million a year from funds voters intended to direct to mental health services. Read more...

Community to Board of Supervisors: "Save Our Safety Net!"

May 17, 2009 - Santa Clara County, CA faces staggering $273 million budget deficit and there's no doubt the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will be making some truly hard decisions in the coming weeks. What's at stake: a $140 million reduction in public services and some 340 county workers who will be affected either by losing their jobs, having their job changed, or reduced work hours. Read more...

Big Banks Liquidating Your Company? Let Us Know

May 15, 2009 - Today, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) launched a toll-free hotline and website--Keep America Working--to support small business owners and workers facing job loss because of frozen credit and liquidation at the hands of bailed-out banks. Visit www.keepworkinghotline.org if your company is facing liquidation threats from big banks. Read more...

Hartmarx Workers Vote to "Sit In" to Save Their Jobs as TARP Recipient Wells Fargo Threatens to Close Factory

May 11, 2009 - Mirroring the six-day protest that helped save more than 250 Republic Windows and Doors workers from losing their jobs last December, Chicago-based Hartmarx factory workers voted unanimously this morning in favor of a "sit in" style action if chief lender Wells Fargo Bank or a new owner tries to begin liquidation or close the factory. Read more...

Report shows NJ food service workers get low pay, few benefits

May 08, 2009 - Thousands of school food service workers in New Jersey are living at or near poverty, according to a new report commissioned by SEIU Local 32BJ, which found that the average hourly wage for food preparation workers in educational services was only $8.15, and that most had no health benefits. Read more...

SEIU, Allies Working to Protect Community Mental Health Services in CA

May 07, 2009 - More than 200 community members joined elected officials, mental health advocacy organizations, and SEIU Local 1021 members at a forum last night to discuss the future of community mental health services in Sonoma County, CA. Read more...

Point of View: What Prop. 1A really means for California

May 06, 2009 - The new rules under Prop. 1A would require massive savings even in bad years and would greatly reduce the funding available for public services. Prop. 1A won't reduce California's looming deficit for the 2009-10 budget by a single cent, and most of its provisions will not take effect for two years--years that should be spent hammering out real solutions to the state's budget and fiscal challenges. Read more...

Illinois Workers United Suit Makers' Jobs On the Cutting Table

May 05, 2009 - Workers United members at the Hart Schaffner & Marx (known as Hartmarx) menswear factory in Des Plaines, IL, make suits for President Obama, but their jobs may not make the cut. Read more...

Los Angeles City Council Votes 13 to 1 in favor of Employee Free Choice

May 01, 2009 - Hours before the Bank of America: Enough action in Los Angeles April 28, the city council voted 13 to 1 for a resolution supporting the Employee Free Choice Act. Read more...

Washington Child Care Providers Urge Legislators to Support Struggling Families

Apr 27, 2009 - After consulting with members across the state, Washington state family child care providers are urging legislators and the governor to focus the state's $33 million incoming share of federal child care grants to help low-wage families access quality child care in the economic downturn. Read more...

SEIU Healthcare Illinois Ad: Don't cut home care and child care to the bone

Apr 22, 2009 - SEIU Healthcare Illinois launched a hard-hitting advertising campaign this week, timed to coincide with the return of legislators to Springfield, calling on the General Assembly to stop deep cuts to child care and home care services in the FY10 budget. Read more...

Public Workers Pay Taxes Too!
New Hampshire Public Employees Protest Job Cuts

Apr 17, 2009 - On Wednesday, over a hundred members of SEIU Local 1984 in New Hampshire joined state employees at the Concord State House for a Tax Day protest against possible public employee layoffs and cuts in pay and benefits. The state budget recently passed by the House would impose a mandatory 2 percent "tax" on 51,000 public workers, pulling $100 million out of the New Hampshire economy, even as local retailers are really struggling. Read more...

Service-Sector Workers Increase Wages and Benefits with Unions

Apr 14, 2009 - A new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) shows that nationally, unionization raises service workers' pay 10.1 percent (about $2.00 per hour), compared to non-union service workers, and increases the likelihood that the worker will have health insurance and a pension. Read more...

'West Wing' actors join workers, members of Congress to unveil "Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act" campaign

Mar 31, 2009 - On Tuesday, March 31, Hollywood "West Wing" stars Martin Sheen and Bradley Whitford descended upon the nation's Capitol to join workers, union leaders and members of Congress for the unveiling of a new ad and grassroots campaign. Read more...

Don't Play Games with Atlantic City Casino Dealers

Mar 24, 2009 - The new Gaming Workers Council brings together four of the nation's largest labor unions to put the combined force of 15 million union members behind casino unionization drives across the country. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Gaming Division, SEIU, UAW and AFL-CIO are standing together on behalf of workers in the casino industry, concentrating on jump-starting stalled contract talks in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Detroit and Connecticut. Read more...

Half of California's state workforce covered by new contract agreement

Mar 23, 2009 - SEIU Local 1000 members voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new contract providing the strongest layoff protections and furlough limits state workers have ever had. The agreement affects 95,000 California workers and limits some of the emergency measures imposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to bridge the state's $42 billion budget gap. Read more...

Obama Says: 'I Will Help You' Find Health Care for Son

Mar 23, 2009 - SEIU Local 721 member Robin Lewis, who works for the LA County Dept. of Children and Family Services, told President Obama directly how important health care reform is for her son, Kolin. Read more...

SEIU, Coalition Partners Launch Retirement USA Initiative

Mar 11, 2009 - SEIU partnered with The Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and the Pensions Rights Center to launch Retirement USA, an initiative working for a new retirement system that, along with Social Security, will provide universal, secure, and adequate income for future retirees. Read more...

Can My Boss Do That?

Mar 06, 2009 - When workers face job loss, they often don't know where to turn for answers. They may be improperly denied their last paycheck, not given the proper amount of notice, or told by their employer that they cannot collect unemployment benefits. New website "Can My Boss Do That" will act as an online clearinghouse to help people understand their rights and protections on a state-by-state basis. Read more...

SEIU Homecare Member Testifies for Family-Friendly Workplace Policies

Mar 03, 2009 - For over a generation now, millions of working Americans have struggled to find a balance between work and family. "I know this hearing is about good family policies but everything comes back to money, something nobody seems to have enough of these days," said Rebia Mixon Clay, SEIU member and homecare worker from Chicago, in her testimony this morning before the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. Read more...

In Blow to State's Working Families, CA Legislature Approves New Budget Plan

Feb 19, 2009 - As the California Legislature passed a budget package today, Gov. Schwarzenegger applauded legislators as having the "courage to stand up and put the needs of Californians first." SEIU members have a different viewpoint of the budget plan, which includes $14 billion in budget cuts that will affect crucial social programs. Read more...

Hard-fought wins in new contract for for 95,000 California state workers

Feb 17, 2009 - After more than nine months of hard-fought negotiations during dismal economic times, California's largest employee union SEIU Local 1000 has reached a tentative agreement with the state early on a new contract covering 95,000 state workers. This tentative agreement would increase job security for members, provides savings for the state and improve conditions for every state employee represented by Local 1000. Read more...

Celebrating Black History: special edition computer desktop wallpapers

Feb 12, 2009 - As part of SEIU's 12th annual celebration of Black History Month, our talented SEIU Creative Services team has designed four special-edition computer desktop wallpapers for use on your Mac or PC. Download them now and you can celebrate Black History Month all month at work or at home. Read more...

Call Key Senators to Support the Economic Stimulus Act

Feb 12, 2009 - Read more...

Introducing SEIU's Member Lobbyists

Feb 11, 2009 - Nine SEIU members and workers from key states across the country have relocated to Washington, DC for a three-month long stint as a grassroots lobbyist on Capitol Hill. Stay tuned for updates, as our members report to us on what they're hearing about health care, the Employee Free Choice Act and restoring economic strength to Main Street. Read more...

Member Testimony: It happened to me, and it can happen to you too

Feb 05, 2009 - You never think that it could happen to you, but in today's economy it's getting harder and harder to know who's got your back. That's why today I'm in Washington D.C. lobbying my U.S. Senators and urging them to vote for the Economic Recovery Act, which will provide the emergency financial help our states need so they won't have to balance the budget on the backs of workers. Read more...

Obama and Biden Launch Middle Class Working Families Task Force

Jan 30, 2009 - Today President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden announced the creation of the Middle Class Task Force, which the White House blog says is "targeted at raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America." Read more...

In 2008, More Than 88,000 Workers United in SEIU

Jan 29, 2009 - The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual union membership report yesterday that showed an increase in union membership nationwide for 2008 -- the largest growth rate on record since 1983. Growth in SEIU -- 88,926 members -- accounted for nearly 21 percent of the national growth. Read more...

A capitol idea: SEIU stirs things up in Sacramento

Jan 27, 2009 - To stir up the waters, hundreds of SEIU members from 1021 and other California locals converged on the State Capitol on Friday to demand an end to the legislative standoff that has made this year's budget so late it's actually early for next year. Read more...

Stronger Economic Future for America Requires Long-range Vision

Jan 26, 2009 - "The millions of working people reeling from the severe economic recession need a recovery package that not only addresses the crisis and relieves the pain, but also lays the groundwork for a stronger and fairer future," writes SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger on Politico's The Arena, commenting on what kind of stimulus plan this country needs to get our economy back on track. Read more...

Tell Gov. Schwarzenegger We Need Real Budget Solutions in California Now

Jan 23, 2009 - Today Executive Vice President Eliseo Medina spoke at a rally in Sacramento, California where over 1,000 SEIU members from across the State came together to speak out for real solutions to the state's budget crisis. Read more...

SEANC to Congress: Support NC Economic Recovery

Jan 16, 2009 - Yesterday, Executive Director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEIU Local 2008) Dana Cope sent out an email update to SEANC members and activists, urging them to take action alongside Gov. Perdue in taking measures to reform the critical economic situation in NC. Read more...

Hilda Solis Will Stand for Justice, Open Doors for Millions of Workers in America

Jan 09, 2009 - "At this critical juncture in our great nation, I cannot think of anyone more qualified than Representative Hilda Solis to re-establish the U.S. Labor Department's priorities of justice, fairness, and equal opportunity for all workers," said SEIU Executive Vice President Eliseo Medina today, in his statement of support for Representative Hilda Solis's confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Labor: Read more...

Family Child Care Providers Ask Court to Compel Funding for Quality Day Care

Jan 06, 2009 - Family child care providers today filed suit in Washington State Supreme Court to compel funding of their arbitration decision and collective bargaining agreement in the Governor's 2009-2011 budget, SEIU Local 925 President Kim Cook announced. Read more...

Arizona Gov. Signs Order to Give Over 25,000 State Employees a Voice

Dec 18, 2008 - Breaking News for State Employees: Gov. Napolitano just issued an executive order that will give state employees in Arizona the same freedom to vote to form an employee organization that most Arizonans already possess. Read more...

"Freezin' for a Reason" in West Hartford, CT

Dec 17, 2008 - Public schools bus drivers in CT working without a contract since May protest employer's delays; demand higher wages and affordable health insurance Read more...

Fiscal Relief to State and Local Governments

Dec 02, 2008 - Listen to some key comments on the need for immediate fiscal relief to state and local governments --- from leading experts on states budget and tax policy who met with SEIU local leaders recently. Read more...

State Public Service Workers Want to Revitalize Economy

Dec 02, 2008 - At a November 24 meeting between members of Connecticut's Congressional delegation and representatives of State public service workers, everyone agreed that all levels of government must be part of the solution, not part of the problem, to tackle Connecticut's growing economic crisis. Read more...

Tell Congress: We Need More Funding for Our Communities - Now! (Banner)

Nov 24, 2008 - Read more...

SEIU Kids First on main Public Svs pg.

Nov 24, 2008 - Read more...

Former SEIU Political Leader Appointed as Obama's Political Director

Nov 21, 2008 - This afternoon, Patrick Gaspard was named the White House political director for President-elect Barack Obama. Gaspard served as national political director for much of Obama's general election campaign and was named associate personnel director for the transition effort. Read more...

"Green Team" Contest Winner: Find an Environmental Replacement for Disposable Lunch Trays

Nov 20, 2008 - "The vision I have for remedying this problem begins with one of our secondary schools, which uses about 180,000 Styrofoam trays per school year, and replaces those trays with something more environmentally friendly." Read more...

Former Senator Daschle to be Nominated for HHS Secretary

Nov 20, 2008 - Multiple news sources, including NBC News, are reporting that Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-ND) "has accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services," and will therefore be nominated to the position. In that role, Daschle would be in charge of the FDA, Medicare and Medicaid, among other programs. Read more...

Main Street, Not Wall Street, Should Fix Crumbling U.S. Infrastructure

Nov 19, 2008 - At its best, America's infrastructure has powered our economic prosperity, created well-paying jobs, and served the public interest. Read more...

Early Learning Teachers and Staff at EPIC Vote Overwhelmingly to Join SEIU Local 925

Nov 03, 2008 - Over 300 early learning teachers and staff at EPIC (Enterprise for Progress in the Community) voted 165 to 54 on Friday, October 24, 2008 to join SEIU Local 925. Read more...

United for Quality Mental Health Services

Sep 25, 2008 - Across the country, SEIU members are working with employees, provider agencies, advocacy groups, clients, and others to turn things around and strengthen mental health services. Read more...

Public Services Members Speak Out

Sep 24, 2008 - [youtube video] Read more...

Story on Public Services

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SEIU Members Get Ready to Mobilize for General Elections

Jun 24, 2008 - Nurses, child care and home care workers, janitors, security officers and other SEIU members across the country are already talking to voters and hitting the streets in key states and races across the country. Read more...

Statement from SEIU Local 1021 President Damita Davis Howard Regarding Governor Schwarzenegger's Budget Cuts

May 15, 2008 - SEIU Local 1021 President Damita Davis Howard released the following statement today in response to Governor Schwarzenegger's devastating budget proposal. SEIU Local 1021 represents 54,000 Bay Area health care and service workers and their families. Read more...

OBAMA: CLEARLY THE PRESUMPTIVE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE

May 06, 2008 - "Senator Obama's commanding win in North Carolina and close showing in Indiana means he is clearly the Democratic nominee for President,"said Anna Burger, SEIU Secretary-Treasurer. "We've had a long process and the outcome is now clear. The Democratic Party should come together to focus on winning in November." Read more...

State Employees Association of North Carolina Joins SEIU in Historic Union Vote

May 05, 2008 - On May 3, the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) voted to affiliate with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The SEANC convention included 671 elected delegates representing SEANC's 55,000 state employee members across the state. Nearly 80 percent, or 524 delegates, voted to affiliate with SEIU. Read more...

20,000 More Pennsylvania Child Care Providers to Form Union

Apr 25, 2008 - Today a majority of 20,000 home-based child care providers casting ballots voted to unite for a stronger say in delivering affordable, quality child care by forming their own union with Child Care Providers UNITED (CCP UNITED). Ballots were counted Friday by the American Arbitration Association. Over 95 percent of child care providers casting ballots voted to join CCP UNITED. Read more...

SEIU Members Endorse Sen. Barack Obama

Feb 15, 2008 - Nurses, childcare workers, janitors and other service workers endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president today, calling him the candidate with the best vision, best plan and best strategy to lead the country to a new American Dream. Read more...

Left in the Dark and Facing Thousands in Rent Increases, Elderly Atria Senior Living Residents Protest, Call for Improvements

Jan 30, 2008 - Elderly residents at Atria Senior Living's Covell Gardens facility continued their protests over exorbitant rent increases on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Residents and family members detailed how skyrocketing rents have affected them, and pointed to recent problems with care and services at the facility. Read more...

Child care providers across Maine vote to form a union

Oct 22, 2007 - Nearly 2,200 home-based child care providers across Maine now have a united voice for their profession, after voting in a statewide election to form their union with the Maine State Employees Association (MSEA)-SEIU Kids First. Read more...

More than 49,000 Illinois Child Care Providers Choose SEIU As Their Union to Improve Services for 200,000 Children

Apr 07, 2005 - More than 49,000 Illinois home child care providers have voted overwhelmingly to join Local 880 of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The ballots were counted by the American Arbitration Association Thursday after a three-week vote-by-mail election. Read more...