Organizing and Activism
Organizing was always the lifeblood of SEIU District 925. The disciplined nuts and bolts of developing a core group of educated rank and file women leaders to build internal organization, combined with community and corporate campaign strategies, worked again and again, making 925’s win rate the highest among unions year after year. Which is a notable achievement as it operated during a time that saw a wave of anti-union sentiment resulting from coordinated union busting tactics by both the government and private sectors. Yet their formula still worked to win a voice for members in higher education, libraries, local government and, in later years, in Head Start and child care centers around the country. The same model was applied to winning contracts, with many lively demonstrations, creative tactics and, on rare occasions, strikes. More than anything else, 925 members organized to receive better pay, but they also fought for health care, equity, fair classification systems, family benefits and workplace safety.
Stark County Library worker demonstration
Part of a booklet for training CSA/District 925 stewards on best practices for organizing workers.
Former SEIU president Andy Stern (far left) visits with classified Staff Association Organizing Committee
News article about the Cuyahoga Public Library employee protest regarding stalled contract negotiations
Person holding a sign that says 'Money for People, Not Buildings' at University of Cincinnati demonstration
Quincy Hospital and city workers demonstrating for a fair contract
Boston Local 925 demonstration
Brochure explaining the advantages of Hamilton County Head Start employees joining District 925
Langsam library workers marching to University of Cincinnati for VDT/Air Action Alert
Jesse Jackson and Karen Nussbaum at 9 to 5 rally for Cleveland Public Library workers
District 925 Kent State University organizing committee memo detailing talking points for members to write to former Governor Voinovich regarding funding mismanagement by the university.
Carolyn Walker presenting at Hamilton County Head Start organizing event
Debbie Schneider speaking at rally for ABCD (Boston Head Start) organizing drive
Example of the types of surveys District 925 used to gauge how employees feel about their workplace. These surveys were used by 925 chapters to inform how to best serve their prospective members. This one is specific to library workers.
Second part of District 925 survey used to gauge how employees feel about their workplace. This one is specific to library workers.
Advertisement to encourage Kent State University clerical workers to unionize
