SEIU Local 1

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all the Local 1 fathers, grandfathers, and father-figures! Local 1 fathers are security officers, airport workers, janitors, window-washers, warehouse workers, doormen, engineers, and concession workers at sports stadiums.

Thank you for your care and dedication to your families, communities, and in the workplace.

Happy Father’s Day!

06/19/2026

Local 1 member leaders would like to wish you a Happy Juneteenth! Today is a day to reflect and commemorate African American freedom. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration began in Texas and became a federal holiday in 2021. Today we honor freedom, resilience and Black history while recognizing the ongoing fight for equality, and Local 1 vows to continue to be in this fight and be at the forefront of racial justice.

06/18/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 graduating class of SEIU Local 1’s Certified Residential Engineer Program! The program is designed to elevate Local 1 Engineers to the top of their industry, and these grads are ready to put their new skills to use for tenants all over Chicago.

06/17/2026

Yesterday, SEIU Local 1 Executive Vice President Charles Bridgemon joined Local 1 janitorial members in Detroit at Western High School for impactful conversations about building worker power and strengthening our union. Members shared their experiences on the job and discussed the importance of solidarity, organizing, and continuing the fight for respect in the workplace. Together, Local 1 members are building a stronger voice on the job and a stronger future for working families.

06/17/2026

And we’ve got another Green Janitor Program in the books!

SEIU Local 1 and the BOMA\Chicago Training & Legal Fund celebrated another Green Janitor Education Program graduation with 41 graduates at 1 N Wacker in Chicago.

The Green Janitor Education Program provides education in green building practices to meet the latest energy, water and green initiative standards covering energy efficiency, recycling, waste management, water conservation and sustainable cleaning practices.

It creates not only safer working conditions for janitors, but for tenants as well, and saves building owners money through lowered energy costs. Buildings that complete the Green Janitor Education Program receive additional credits toward LEED status.

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

"This is a major step forward for security officers at Lambert Airport. My coworkers and I joined Local 1 because we wanted respect, stability, and a real voice on the job." - Local 1 security officer and bargaining team member John DeWeese.

The security officers operate checkpoints where employees and contractors are screened for security purposes and food products are taken to the secure areas of the terminals, and also assist with curbside traffic flow.

06/17/2026

This morning, SEIU Local 1 leaders joined the Arise Chicago Faith-Labor-Action breakfast, which lifted up the faith organizing of Fr. Brendan Curran during Midway Blitz, and honored the domestic worker membership and their work with Arise Chicago - which has led to policy victories and launching a Domestic Workers Institute! SEIU President April Verrett was the keynote speaker at this event.

06/16/2026

SEIU Local 1 leaders and donors to our Scholarship Fund participated in our annual scholarship golf outing fundraiser today, which raises money for high schoolers going to a 2- or 4-year college, whose parents or legal guardians are Local 1 members in good standing.

After golfing, donors enjoyed drinks on the patio, dinner with raffle prizes, and the announcement of the main scholarship winner.

Azalea Steiger Smith won the Tom Balanoff Social Justice Award of $10,000 for not only her academic excellence, but her commitment to social justice in her community.

Thank you to all the donors for your incredible generosity. We’re looking forward to building future generations of leaders fighting for worker, immigrant, racial, environmental and economic justice!

06/16/2026

Yesterday, dozens of Michigan SEIU Local 1 member leaders came together for the first stewards training of the year. Member leaders participated in a full-day training focused on strengthening their leadership skills, building worker power, and preparing to advocate for their coworkers on the job.

Throughout the day, stewards engaged in workshops and discussions on organizing strategies, effective communication, and member engagement. The training also provided an opportunity for leaders from across Michigan to connect, share experiences, and strengthen solidarity as they continue fighting for fair workplaces protections.

The training also featured a special coffee and conversation with Michigan Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, who joined members to hear directly about the issues impacting working families across Michigan. Members had the opportunity to speak openly about the rising cost of living, workplace challenges, wages, and the importance of protecting workers’ rights. The conversation created a meaningful space for members to share their experiences and discuss the issues that matter most to them and their communities.

Together, these member leaders are building a stronger union and ensuring workers have informed, dedicated advocates in every workplace.