Maine Service Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989

08/27/2026

Every voter should be able to cast their ballot freely and without fear. Using federal agents to intimidate people at the polls has no place in a democracy. We stand with the Maine AFL-CIO in defending free and fair elections.

Maine AFL-CIO Statement on Election Intimidation

On August 26, the Associated Press reported that gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles said he would call on White House border czar Tom Homan to deploy ICE agents at Maine polling locations ahead of November’s elections. In response, Maine AFL-CIO President Cynthia Phinney released the following statement:

08/20/2026

Union members at the Maine Turnpike Authority came together for a lively bargaining preparation meeting as they get ready to fight for a strong contract.

MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 members know that winning at the bargaining table starts with building power in the workplace. That means standing together for fair wages that keep up with today’s cost of living, safe working conditions so everyone gets home safely at the end of the day, and a real voice in the decisions that affect our work and our lives.

When members are informed, organized, and united, we have the power to win. MTA members are getting ready! ✊

08/12/2026

Members of the Maine Service Employees Association, Local 1989 of the Service Employees International Union (MSEA-SEIU Local 1989), the largest union of state workers in Maine, have endorsed Hannah Pingree for Governor in the November 3rd general elections.

“As governor, I will work tirelessly to build a positive, collaborative relationship with state workers. We need to ensure that all workers are respected throughout the bargaining process. State workers deserve fair, timely contracts and I look forward to working together to get that done.”
-- Hannah Pingree, MSEA-SEIU-endorsed candidate for Maine Governor

Our news release: https://mseaseiu.org/2026/08/12/members-of-the-largest-state-workers-union-in-maine-endorse-hannah-pingree-for-governor/

08/12/2026

Reminder! Nominations for our 2026 MSEA-SEIU Lifetime Achievement Award must be received at MSEA-SEIU headquarters by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.

MSEA-SEIU Lifetime Achievement Award past recipients:
2025: Ginette Rivard; 2024: Penny Whitney-Asdourian; 2023: Jane L. Gilbert; 2022: Ben Conant; 2021: Steven Keaten; 2020: Billy Noyes; 2019: Lois Baxter; 2018: Bob Ruhlin; 2017: Bob Galloupe; 2016: Bill Deering; 2015: John Hinkley; 2014: Jackie Roach; 2013: Frank Kadi

The MSEA-SEIU Retirees Steering Committee will present our 2026 MSEA-SEIU Lifetime Achievement Award to one of our retiree members during our 2026 MSEA-SEIU Annual Meeting on Oct. 9 and 10.

08/10/2026

Scores of our members face dangerous working conditions every day in the service of Maine people, and that includes the lifeguards and other workers at most of Maine’s state parks. While we don't represent the workers at the privately managed Scarborough Beach State Park, we’re so relieved this lifeguard got back to shore safely!

A white shark dragged the lifeguard 5 to 6 feet below the surface Saturday after grabbing hold of his rescue torpedo at Scarborough Beach State Park, officials say.

07/30/2026

Thank you, Sally Cluchey for State Representative, for asking Governor Janet Mills to settle our contract negotiations by accepting the independent fact-finders' recommendation on wages. You nailed it: "If we expect private employers to provide competitive wages and benefits, the State must lead by example."

07/30/2026

The latest $148 million State budget surplus follows prior surpluses of: over $152 million in 2025; $93.5 million in 2024; $141 million in 2023; and over $595 million in 2022. Low wages leave too many state workers struggling, fuel rampant vacancies and unsafe workloads, and drive the State to hire private contractors who can earn four times more for the same work. Governor Janet Mills: Accept the neutral fact finder’s recommendation on wages. Ask your elected officials here to encourage the same: https://act.seiu.org/a/ask-legislators-support-executive-branch-contract-campaign

07/14/2026

MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 mourns the loss of Johan Sebastián, a devoted father, partner, and our neighbor.

Johan, who was documented and was not the target of any operation, was murdered at the hands of ICE shortly after he left his family to drive to work. No matter who we are or where we come from, no one should fear for their life by stepping outside their door simply to go to work.

The ICE deployment into our state is not about making us safer. Fear and cruelty are the point. From Minneapolis to Houston to Biddeford, this Administration has tried to divide us as workers and neighbors, but we will never let them.

At the ballot box, in the streets, and in support of our communities, we will turn our anger and pain into action. We will vote out every politician who voted to fund ICE over healthcare. We will challenge the billionaire class and corporations that protect this Administration. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our immigrant neighbors.

We demand ICE out of Maine NOW.

07/09/2026

Our statement on Graham Platner withdrawing as a candidate for U.S. Senate:

“The sexual assault allegations made against Graham Platner are deeply disturbing. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave women who came forward. Platner’s decision to end his campaign for U.S. Senate was the only path forward because the stakes in this election are too high. Based on the information available at the time, we endorsed Graham Platner because he was the best candidate to deliver for working Mainers and defeat Susan Collins. We back candidates, regardless of party, who share our resolve in building a militant labor movement. Maine's working class deserves a U.S. senator who isn’t bought and paid for by billionaires and corporations. We need a candidate who can take on the establishment of both political parties, and be a champion for everyday workers like us. The fact is, Susan Collins and big out-of-state money continue to harm the working people of Maine. It’s time for all of us to demand better.”