About Local 509
Raising working and living standards for all
SEIU 509 represents over 23,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts.
Our members provide critical social services to elders, children, and individuals with mental health needs or developmental disabilities, as well as educational services in both public and private sectors. From mental health clinicians and social workers to early childhood educators and university lecturers, SEIU 509 members are committed to improving living standards for working families and ensuring the quality and affordability of the services we provide.
We are proud to be part of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents 2 million members nationwide.
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.
SEIU 509 Constitution and SEIU Code of Ethics
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 inside and outside of the workplace. We believe in respect and equity for all workers and people across gender, race, ability, religion, 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 alignment with our vision, we stand for: