A marriage between the service employees union and the A.F.L.-C.I.O. could better equip organized labor to deal with a less-friendly administration.The New York Times reports that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the A.F.L.-C.I.O. are joining forces in an effort to strengthen organized labor and protect workers’ interests in the face of a potentially less union-friendly federal government under President Donald J. Trump.
The SEIU, which represents nearly two million workers in industries such as home health care and janitorial services, announced on Wednesday that it will become part of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., an umbrella group of over 50 unions representing more than 12.5 million workers. The boards of both organizations have formally approved the affiliation arrangement.
According to SEIU President April Verrett, discussions about joining the A.F.L.-C.I.O. began almost two years ago and intensified early last year. The partnership will allow the two groups to advocate for changes to local, state, and federal rules that make it easier for workers to join unions, as well as support “multiunion, multisector” campaigns to organize workers.
While the move is not directly related to the outcome of the 2016 presidential election, it is seen as a strategic move to prepare for potential threats from the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress. Verrett and A.F.L.-C.I.O. President Liz Shuler stated that the alliance will help organized labor navigate the changing political landscape.
The New York Times also notes that access to the full article may be restricted for non-subscribers.
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