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.
