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United to win: SEU 800 attends Workers United convention in Cleveland

This gathering, marked by solidarity and union pride, brought together delegates from across Canada: Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and of course, Quebec. Together, they embodied a united Canada within a powerful and committed North American union.

Workers United: a collective force for workers

Workers United, affiliated with SEIU (Service Employees International Union), represents over 85,000 members across Canada and the United States. Its work focuses on the textile, hospitality, restaurant, retail, and laundry sectors. The organization is deeply rooted in the defense of workers’ rights, with an inclusive and determined approach. 

A convention of celebration and mobilization

In her opening remarks, Lynne Fox, International President of Workers United, emphasized that this convention marked a turning point: “Unlike the last convention, held in the midst of the pandemic, this one is a call to celebrate all we’ve achieved together since then.”

Secretary-Treasurer Edgar Romney expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event, from shuttle crews to hotel staff, logistics teams and those behind the promotional materials. Every detail of the convention reflected the work of members of the Workers United family, highlighting Cleveland’s central role in the union’s presence.

Powerful and inspiring messages

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered a strong and moving speech: “We must remember the struggles that brought us this far, and the failures that only strengthened our resolve.” She urged unions to stand firm against corporations and governments that seek to undermine workers’ power. The convention’s rallying cry rang out loud and clear: “When we fight, we win!”

Another standout moment came from Rocío Sáenz, SEIU Secretary-Treasurer, who shared a deeply personal journey. “When I arrived as an immigrant, I was simply looking for a job as a seamstress. I never imagined that crossing paths with the union would change my life.” Today, she devotes her energy to defending members who, like her, are seeking stable employment and decent living conditions. Her story moved and inspired the entire assembly.

A tribute to leadership and legacy

One of the most inspiring moments of the convention was the speech delivered by April Verrett, SEIU President since 2023. In a message filled with hope and determination, she honored the women who paved the way for the labor movement: “Women workers are the cornerstone of unionism. They’ve shown courage and tenacity, and they are the reason I fell in love with organizing.” Drawing on the legacy of trailblazers like Helen Baker and Clara Lemlich, Verrett reminded the crowd that “when a worker discovers their collective power, nothing can stop them.” She celebrated the leadership of women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who bravely confront powerful corporations and corrupt politicians to demand justice, dignity, respect, and a fair share of the wealth they create. “Workers United is SEIU. And SEIU is Workers United. We are family, united in struggle,” she declared. It was a powerful call for collective action, intergenerational solidarity, and inclusion, true to the spirit of the union movement. 

Recognition for SEU 800 

We are proud to announce the election of Cyntia Gagnier, SEU 800 Vice President of Administration, to the position of Vice President on the Workers United General Executive Council. Her appointment strengthens the voice of our organization and our members, particularly in the clothing, textile, and hospitality sectors, within the broader Workers United family.

When young people lead the way 

Another memorable highlight of the convention was the presentation by young representatives from Starbucks Workers United. Michelle Eisen, one of the original organizers of the first unionized Starbucks in the U.S., shared her experience. After 11 years on the job, she believed that quitting was the only way to change her workplace. But her role in unionizing the Elmwood store in Buffalo in 2021 sparked a historic movement for baristas. Today, over 550 Starbucks locations are unionized, representing more than 10,500 members. “It’s been an incredibly long road to get to this point, despite everything the company has thrown at us. But today, we’ve done it,” she said with emotion. Seeing this new generation of union leaders in action was both inspiring and a powerful reminder that interest in union activism is very much alive among young people, provided it is supported, nurtured, and guided by those with experience and knowledge of union organizing.

Energized and ready to keep fighting

Our delegation returns to Quebec energized, inspired, and more committed than ever to ensuring our members’ voices are heard loud and clear. This experience in Cleveland reaffirmed that, beyond borders, union solidarity remains our greatest strength.

The key takeaway from this convention is clear: union activism is alive and essential in North America. Despite a political climate that seeks to divide and weaken collective rights, we remain firmly united in the fight for fair, safe, and humane working conditions for all.