GROWTH OF A MODERN UN ION LOCAL: A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF SEIU LOCAL 880

Abstract

This article examines the growth of oneof the fastest-growing union locals inNorth America, the Services Employees International Union Local 880 inChicago. As union membership has declined nationally, Local 880 has achievedexponential growth over the last twentyfive years by being among the first toorganize extremely low wage home based child care and home care workers.The article highlights the tenets of thelocal’s organizing philosophy, includingcommunity organizing and political activism, as well as other strategies andtactics 880 has utilized in growing its membership to more than 65,000 members.Along the way, it has secured notablevictories on behalf of its members,including winning the largest organizingcampaign of home childcare workers inU.S. history.