“We are so honored and excited that our brothers and sisters in SEIU have joined us in San Juan to make the most important decisions that the union makes,” said Luis Rubio, a health care worker and a delegate from UGT Local 1199 in Puerto Rico.  "We look forward to charting our shared course as we work as a united group to improve the lives of working people in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and the world. Now, let's get to work!"

SEIU’s convention—held every four years—brings the rank and file leadership of the union that is vested with the authority to elect International Executive Board and set policy together to determine the agenda of the union.

Nearly 3,500 attendees—including labor representatives from seventeen countries and 1,982 member delegates representing 160 Local Unions—will meet in San Juan from June 2–4 to elect leaders, debate, and set union policies for the next four years on issues from health care, politics, organizing, the Iraq War, immigration, democratic decision making, outsourcing, Burma and more.

JUSTICE FOR ALL

During the convention, member delegates will vote on the Justice for All platform, a series of proposals that could transform how North America’s fastest growing union builds the strength of workers everywhere, engages members, and builds a stronger political voice. 

“I’ve come to Puerto Rico with both the hopes and expectations of my fellow health care workers at Niagara Health Systems,” said nurse Carol McDowell, a member of Local 1 in Canada and a third-time delegate.  “SEIU has never been afraid to stir the pot, and the Justice for All proposals are the next big step forward for our union.  We’re going to debate, make important decisions, then unite to reach out to all our brothers and sisters throughout North America who do not yet have the benefit of a union.”

AN HISTORIC MOMENT

The convention comes at a time when an increasingly global economy has put the squeeze on workers and the impending US elections hold the promise of the first pro-worker agenda in decades. 

“The deck is stacked against working people today,” said Andy Stern, international president of SEIU since 1996.  “The gap between those who work and those with wealth has never been wider. Our members know that if fewer and fewer workers are able to unite for a better deal, our hope for a better future for our children and grandchildren will be lost.  We simply cannot win a better life for all working people if we are concerned with just us.  Despite the impressive gains our members have earned, it is their courage and the bold actions of this union that brings us to Puerto Rico to say that all we have accomplished is still not enough.  We have an historic opportunity before us: we’re going to strengthen our union, help all working people, build a pro-worker political majority, and achieve justice for all.”

The “Justice for All” platform seeks to create a new American Dream that rewards hard work, ensures health care for every man, woman and child, provides a secure retirement, allows children to live better than their parents, and builds stronger communities.  

ORGANIZING TO WIN

SEIU is the fastest growing union in the Americas, representing a million more workers today than in 1996, at a time when most other unions are suffering rapid declines.  In the past three months alone, more than 78,000 workers have united in SEIU. Under its current leadership, SEIU’s growth has given workers the strength to win health care coverage and wages that can support families during difficult economic times.  A recent study by the Fiscal Policy Institute and the Center for Economic and Policy Research revealed that nationally, unionization raises the wages of the typical low-wage worker by 20.6 percent.

SEIU members’ voices have also played an increasingly influential role in their cities, states, and countries on all the issues that make a difference in working families’ lives – health care, education, housing, transportation, public safety, immigration reform, retirement security, and much more. 

“The strategic choices made by SEIU members and leaders over the past 12 years have led us to this point,” said Anna Burger, international secretary-treasurer of SEIU. “Together, our members have built the most effective advocacy organization for working people in North America.  We have become the leading voice driving the movement for affordable, quality health care for all. We united a million more workers with us and won economic gains for hundreds of thousands of workers in new sectors such as home care, childcare, and private security.” 

SPECIAL GUESTS, GOING GREEN AND OTHER FEATURES

Over the course of the convention, dignitaries and human rights leaders from around the world will address the convention and support the delegates in their efforts to determine the union’s course for 2008-2012.  Among those confirmed to attend:

• Diplomat, humanitarian and philanthropist Stephen Lewis

• Leader of the Burmese pro-democracy movement U Maung Maung

• Australian LHMU National Secretary Louise Tarrant

This will also be SEIU’s first green convention.  SEIU will reduce the amount of solid waste generated by the meeting, eliminating the use of toxic materials and employing water, paper, energy and money-saving protocols.  SEIU will also use the opportunity to educate its members and guests about green practices that positively impact climate change.

In the days leading up to the convention, participants will have the chance to attend workshops, business meetings, a global roundtable and cultural events. The program will be simultaneously translated into six languages (Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese), and a “Healthier U” program will educate and support attendees seeking wellness. 

SEIU HONORS PUERTO RICO

SEIU represents almost 40,000 workers in Puerto Rico, including health care workers, secretaries, office clerks, technicians, maintenance and conservation workers, drivers, mechanics, captains, and professionals from the public and private sector.

“We are coming here to celebrate Puerto Rico and the work of SEIU’s Puerto Rican members,” said Dennis Rivera, president of SEIU Health care. “Holding our convention here is an affirmation of the importance of our global alliances. Puerto Rico is the wonderful homeland of a people of great strength and determination to prevail as a nation. We, in SEIU, recognize, respect and honor that.”