In a landmark moment for the labor movement, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has announced its return to the AFL-CIO after two decades of separation. This reunion is more than just a symbolic reconciliation — it’s a powerful affirmation of the growing collective strength of unions and workers across the country. We at Jobs With Justice celebrate this moment and the new leadership of SEIU President April Verrett and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. This move signals an exciting new chapter in the fight for workers’ rights and democracy.
A New Chapter of Leadership and Solidarity
Jobs With Justice Executive Director Erica Smiley issued the following statement in response to this historic development, highlighting the significance of this moment for both the labor movement and the broader fight for justice and democracy.
“After 20 years apart, SEIU will rejoin the AFL-CIO, not simply to squash an old conflict but to invigorate the labor movement and its role in building a more powerful democracy. SEIU President April Verrett and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler are doing far more than simply reuniting two storied institutions. They are consolidating the power of institutional labor to ensure that everyone has an equal voice in decision-making in all aspects of their lives, lifting up the workplace as a critical site of struggle in the nation’s current battle to build a healthy, multiracial democracy.“
Under the leadership of Liz Shuler, the first woman to head the AFL-CIO, and April Verrett, the first Black woman to lead SEIU, the labor movement is entering a new era. These trailblazing women are not only breaking barriers but also redefining what it means to lead a movement that centers the needs and aspirations of all workers. This historic moment builds on the booming solidarity of workers across industries. Shuler and Verrett’s leadership represents a vision for a more inclusive, powerful, and unified labor movement that is committed to organizing both union members and the millions of unorganized workers across the country.
Solidarity in Action: Strengthening the Labor Movement
The rejoining of SEIU and the AFL-CIO signals a clear shift toward solidarity and collective power. Jobs With Justice is well positioned to use our power and ready to defend and expand the dignity of everyday people as we prepare for President Trump’s second term. From fast food workers to public sector employees, from migrant workers to Black and southern workers who have been historically excluded from labor protections, unions and workers are leading the charge to ensure that every worker — regardless of background or industry — has a voice and the ability to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The growing solidarity between these two unions and their leadership marks a powerful moment for the entire labor movement. Rather than remaining isolated in a fragmented landscape, unions are coming together, recognizing that the fight for workers’ rights is interconnected and takes all of us. We know that by uniting, we can challenge corporate power and build a more just and democratic society.
Building a Stronger Democracy, Together
At Jobs With Justice, we are proud to be part of this expanding wave of worker-led organizing. Our work on the ground — from supporting fast food workers organizing the United Southern Service Workers to advocating for manufacturing and construction workers who are pushing for sustainable, worker-centered energy investments — shows the tangible power of unions to create meaningful change. This is the kind of solidarity that will reshape entire industries and give power back to the people.
With SEIU and the AFL-CIO leading the way, we are reminded that the work of building a more equitable society is far from over. But through solidarity and collective action, we are stronger than ever before. We’re standing together, united in the belief that when workers win, everyone wins.
The Road Ahead: A Movement for Justice and Equality
As the wealthiest corporations continue to consolidate power and forces of autocracy seek to undermine democracy, we know that the labor movement is a crucial counterforce. We stand united in our commitment to defending workers’ rights and expanding the protections of democracy — from the factory floor to the ballot box.
Today, we celebrate this incredible news of SEIU’s return to the AFL-CIO, standing side by side with the 15 million members of both unions. This is just the beginning. Together, we will build the democracy our ancestors dreamed of, one where every worker’s dignity, rights, and freedoms are protected.
