SEIU Rejoins AFL-CIO After Two Decades, Uniting 15 Million Workers

The reunion of two major labor unions comes as Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as president, with labor leaders emphasizing the need for collective strength.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has rejoined the AFL-CIO after a 20-year separation, expanding the federation's membership to 15 million workers across 60 unions.
Union leaders Liz Shuler of the AFL-CIO and April Verrett of SEIU stated the decision was not a direct response to Trump's election but acknowledged the importance of labor unity under a potentially challenging administration.
The SEIU represents 2 million workers in sectors like healthcare, public services, and building maintenance, many of whom are low-wage earners and immigrants vulnerable to policy changes under the new administration.
The AFL-CIO and SEIU endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, citing concerns over Trump's labor policies, while the Teamsters union notably withheld an endorsement for the first time in years.
Labor experts highlight the move as a strategic effort to strengthen organizing capabilities and push for pro-worker policies, especially as union membership in the U.S. remains at historic lows.