About Local 509
SEIU Local 509 represents nearly 20,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. We are united in our mission to raise living standards for working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services we provide.
About Local 509
SEIU Local 509 represents nearly 20,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. We provide a variety of social services to elders, at-risk children and people with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities — as well as educational services in both public and private sector settings. From mental health clinicians and social workers to early childhood educators and university lecturers, Local 509 members are united in our mission to raise living standards for working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services we provide.
SEIU Local 509 is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union, the fastest-growing labor union in the United States. Focused on uniting workers in four sectors –- public services, long term care, property services, and hospital systems — SEIU is the nation’s largest health care union, the largest property services union, and the second-largest public employee union.
Annual Reports
SEIU 509 Constitution and SEIU Code of Ethics
Mission Statement
The objectives of this Local Union shall be in general the objectives of the Service Employees International Union.
- To unite as Local 509 members within the jurisdiction of the Service Employees International Union for mutual welfare, protection, and advancement.
- To work as Union members in the establishment and maintenance of fair wages, hours, working conditions, and professional standards.
- To seek, organize, and unite all workers, eligible for membership herein, for their mutual advancement, both social and economic.
- To advance a mutual understanding of the Local and its activities in the communities in which our members live and work.
- To encourage and support women and members of minority groups to participate fully in the activities of the Local.
- To eradicate discriminatory practices by the employer and society at large.
- To seek to promote, whenever possible, the interests of the client community served by the Union.
- To foster the value of a public commitment for human services and education.
- To seek ways to improve the quality of service we provide.
- To help build a strong labor movement that his reflective of the needs of working men and women.
- To promote and encourage the involvement of members in the political process, including elections and other forms of political activity.
Solidarity principles
As part of our mission, and because we are a union of social workers, human service workers, and educators SEIU Local 509 is committed to fighting for social equity both in and outside of the workplace. We believe in respect and equity for all workers and people across genders, race, abilities, religions, age, country of origin and sexual orientation. In order to build a strong labor movement, we must make connections across our organizing work and stand together in the face of injustice. We know that we can not have economic justice without racial justice and solidarity across movements.
| In the months and years ahead, our local will begin work on a ten-year strategic plan to grow our membership, fight back against those who divide us, and ensure we’re creating change for everyone. |
In alignment with our vision, we stand for:
Equity and justice for marginalized communities. We believe in respect and equity for all workers and people across genders, races, abilities, religions, age, country of origin and sexual orientation. As advocates for change, we must ensure that our fight for social justice reflects the needs of those impacted by it. This means supporting communities of color, immigrants, different abilities, genders, and LGBTQ people.
A healthy environment and green future. The impact of climate change disproportionately hurts working people and low-income people. The impact of climate change is shaped by racism and discrimination. As workers, we have the power to shape the world around us, and we must commit to a green future through a green workforce and reducing our carbon footprints.
Equitable education. A student’s background should not determine the quality of their education. Education justice is a pillar of our democracy. As educators, students, and parents, we are committed to fighting for an equitable education system that meets the needs of families and educators, from early childhood education to higher education.
Accessible, quality healthcare. Corporations and insurance companies continue to profit while working people across the country are lacking the medical coverage and care that everyone deserves. Access to healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. In order to have healthy communities and neighborhoods, healthcare must be equitable, putting quality, access, and people above profits.
A fair and accepting immigration system. Immigrants must be given a path to citizenship. Everyone deserves to live in the place they call home without fear. Justice for our neighbors, for workers and all families means fighting back against the criminalization and discrimination of immigrants.
The right to age with dignity. We believe that everyone deserves the peace of mind that they will be able to age with dignity and respect. As we service the public, we must seek to ensure that the people who do work in the public interest and in the public good are not only compensated fairly while working, but are able to have a life in retirement that is reflective of the value of their work.