Purple Power: The History and Global Impact of SEIU

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is a global organization representing over two million workers in various occupations, with women and minority groups making up a significant portion of its membership. This book explores the SEIU's history, key campaigns, and impact on low-wage workers worldwide, featuring interviews with key figures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is a global organization founded in 1921, representing over two million workers across various occupations, including healthcare, government service, custodial work, and taxi driving. Women comprise more than half of the union's membership, while individuals from minority groups account for approximately forty percent. This essay collection, edited by Luís LM Aguiar and Joseph A. McCartin, delves into the history, themes, and impact of the SEIU, examining its growth, key campaigns, and international representation.

The first section traces the SEIU's development over the past and present centuries, highlighting its expansion and influence. The second section provides in-depth analyses of significant campaigns in the United States, such as the Justice for Janitors and Fight for $15 movements. The third section focuses on the SEIU's work advocating for low-wage workers in Canada, Australia, Europe, and Brazil. The volume concludes with an interview with Justice for Janitors architect Stephen Lerner, providing valuable insights into the organization's achievements and future endeavors.

Contributors to this essay collection include esteemed scholars and experts in labor studies, including Luís LM Aguiar, Adrienne E. Eaton, Janice Fine, Euan Gibb, Laurence Hamel-Roy, Tashlin Lakhani, Joseph A. McCartin, Yanick Noiseux, Benjamin L. Peterson, Allison Porter, Alyssa May Kuchinski, Maite Tapia, Veronica Terriquez, and Kyoung-Hee Yu. Their contributions offer a comprehensive understanding of the SEIU's role in shaping contemporary labor movements and advocating for workers' rights worldwide.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 158 x 238 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252044717