Last week was historic for our SEIU family.
In 2012, anti-worker politicians stripped homecare workers in our neighboring state of Michigan their right to belong to a union. But for the past 13 years, these courageous workers – backed by SEIU siblings from hospitals and long-term care across Michigan and our entire International Union – never gave up the fight.
And last Thursday, nearly 32,000 homecare workers returned home to SEIU Healthcare Michigan and our union family.
This victory is about more than Michigan. It’s proof of the collective strength, power and influence we hold as the largest healthcare union in North America. It also shows what we can achieve when we fight together, no matter our workplaces, sectors, or roles. When one of us wins, we all win.
But let’s be clear: This historic win wasn’t handed to anyone, and it wasn’t achieved just by showing up to a bargaining table. It was fought for by thousands of workers organizing, making phone calls, knocking on doors, rallying in the streets, lobbying governments, and refusing to give up on their right to be part of something bigger. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength we have as part of an unstoppable international union and the power each and every one of us holds.
In the words of one SEIU Healthcare Michigan homecare leader:
“They told us it was impossible. They told us we couldn’t win. And we did it anyway.”
In our new era of worker power, as we fight to strengthen our contracts and win the respect and protections every healthcare worker deserves, let’s carry the spirit of this victory with us and remember their determination, solidarity, and whatever-it-takes attitude.
Tyler Downey
President, SEIU Healthcare