In a major development for organized labor, the 2-million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced Wednesday its decision to rejoin the AFL-CIO after nearly two decades of separation. The move immediately establishes SEIU as the largest union within the federation.
The reunion comes as union membership in the private sector has declined to approximately 6%, a historic low. The timing is particularly noteworthy given the potential challenges facing labor organizations with the prospect of another Trump presidency.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler celebrated the merger, emphasizing the importance of unity in building collective power. "This is an incredible time for us to be amassing our power, uniting and building our muscle together," Shuler stated.
SEIU President April Verrett noted that while discussions about rejoining predated recent political developments, the current climate reinforced the decision. "It's that much more important to come together, to organize workers, to build real power, because that's our best offense in this moment," she explained.
The AFL-CIO, representing approximately 15 million workers through 61 member unions, serves as labor's primary voice in Washington and provides support for organizing campaigns. SEIU's return strengthens this coalition substantially, bringing its expertise in healthcare, childcare, and service sector organizing.
The reunion also helps heal historic divisions within the labor movement. SEIU departed the AFL-CIO in 2005 along with several other unions, citing concerns about the federation's political focus versus organizing efforts. Most of these unions have since returned, except for the Teamsters.
SEIU's reaffiliation enables direct AFL-CIO involvement in key campaigns, including the high-profile Starbucks unionization effort led by SEIU affiliate Workers United, which has successfully organized over 500 stores nationwide.
The reconciliation process began when Shuler assumed federation leadership in 2021, with formal discussions approved by SEIU leadership in 2023. Both organizations view the merger as a strategic move to enhance worker representation and power in an increasingly challenging landscape for organized labor.