In a historic move, April Verrett has been elected as the first Black woman to lead the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), America’s second-largest union with a membership of two million individuals in health care, public sector, and property management. This groundbreaking achievement represents a significant milestone for the SEIU and underscores the labor movement’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
A new era for SEIU
April Verrett’s election was announced during the 2024 SEIU International Convention in Philadelphia, marking a new chapter for the union. The event was further highlighted by a keynote speech from Vice President Kamala Harris, who praised SEIU’s longstanding efforts in advocating for workers’ rights and emphasized the importance of fair compensation for service industry workers.
SEIU’s commitment to diversity
The election of Verrett is a testament to SEIU’s dedication to embracing diversity and fighting systemic injustices. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the union and ensure that the voices of women and BIPOC communities are heard at the highest levels of leadership. Verrett’s victory is a personal triumph and a beacon of progress for the labor movement, signaling a renewed dedication to inclusive leadership.
Verrett’s vision for the future
Verrett shared her gratitude and vision with ESSENCE, expressing her determination to fight for workers’ rights and to end poverty-wage work. She emphasized the importance of a union card as not just a path to a better life but a gateway to a better world, particularly for women and women of color who have historically been marginalized in the economy.
As SEIU moves forward under Verrett’s leadership, the union is poised to continue its fight for worker power and to write new rules that ensure equitable representation and treatment for all working people.
One Response
Legal Argument: Formal Complaint Under the SEIU Constitution and LMRDA
Issue
Whether the 2024 SEIU International Convention elections violated members’ rights as stipulated under the SEIU Constitution, the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), and relevant federal statutes.
Rule
SEIU Constitution: Article XVII – Trials and Appeals, Section 1
Local Unions, their officers or members, and officers of any affiliated body, and officers of the International Union may be charged with:
Violation of any specific provision of this Constitution or of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Local Union;
Engaging in corrupt or unethical practices or racketeering.
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), 29 U.S.C. 411 (Bill of Rights of Members of Labor Organizations)
SEC. 101(a)(1) – Equal Rights: Every member of a labor organization shall have equal rights and privileges to nominate candidates, to vote in elections or referendums, to attend membership meetings, and to participate in deliberations and voting upon the business of such meetings, subject to reasonable rules and regulations in such organization’s constitution and bylaws.
LMRDA, 29 U.S.C. 481(c)
Every labor organization and its officers shall comply with all reasonable requests of any candidate to distribute campaign literature at the candidate’s expense and refrain from discrimination in favor of or against any candidate.
LMRDA, 29 U.S.C. 481(e)
A reasonable opportunity shall be given for the nomination of candidates, and members must be provided with notice of the election at least fifteen days prior. Members have the right to vote for candidates of their choice without improper interference.
Application
Violation of Notification Requirements:
According to the 2023 SEIU International LM-2 report, the union has 1,845,500 members. Most members were not notified of the election, a fundamental union activity. Federal law mandates that unions provide timely notice of nominations to all members. The lack of notification violated members’ rights under 29 U.S.C. 411(a)(1), which ensures equal rights and privileges to nominate candidates and participate in elections.
Unfair Election Practices:
The election was not conducted fairly or democratically. Only one candidate was nominated for each position, including the president, out of 1,845,500 members. This violates the principle of democratic elections, which require a fair opportunity for multiple candidates to run and members to choose freely.
Members were instructed on who to vote for, constituting election interference. Such actions contravene 29 U.S.C. 481(e), which protects members’ rights to support candidates without interference or reprisal.
Improper Use of Union Resources:
Team April members, with salaries exceeding $1 million, used union funds to travel and hold pre-convention orientation meetings that were unnecessary. After these meetings in the same location, they campaigned and fundraised, giving them an unfair advantage. This action violates 29 U.S.C. 481(g), which prohibits the use of union dues to promote any candidate.
Violation of Nomination Procedures:
Rule 31 of the SEIU Constitution restricts nominations to the convention, limiting the opportunity for members to become bona fide candidates and distribute campaign literature. This rule conflicts with 29 U.S.C. 481(c) and (e), which ensure fair nomination and election processes.
Conclusion
The 2024 SEIU International Convention elections violated members’ rights as stipulated under the SEIU Constitution and federal law, specifically 29 U.S.C. 411(a)(1), 481(c), and 481(e). The lack of proper notification, unfair election practices, misuse of union funds, and restrictive nomination procedures undermine the democratic processes and equal rights of members.
Remedy Requested: A trusteeship should be established to restore democratic procedures in accordance with 29 U.S.C. 462. The election must be rerun with proper notification and fair opportunity for all members to nominate candidates and vote.
I hereby declare that the above statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Respectfully,
Avery T. Horton, Jr.
SEIU Local 503 Member
Submitted 05/30/2024 via US Mail