No Budget Cuts! Save Our Services!

Take action and join the fightback campaign against the proposed FY26 Budget cuts.

Fighting for respect and dignity

A diverse group of people in purple SEIU shirts stand outdoors, raising their fists in solidarity and smiling at the camera. Trees and cloudy skies are visible in the background.
A large group of people wearing purple shirts and holding signs gather in a park, raising their fists in solidarity for rent control and fair wages. Trees and green grass are visible in the background.

For All

 

SEIU 509 is your union – over 23,000 human service workers and educators across Massachusetts who provide the crucial services that keep our state running. We are united in our mission to raise living standards for working families while improving the quality and accessibility of the services we provide.

Together, we fight for respect and dignity for workers and people everywhere. We win contracts and campaigns that secure higher wages, strong benefits, and protections at work and in our communities. 

In the face of rising inequality and attacks on working people, public services, and education, we are building worker power by organizing for a future where everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive.

Our Members

SEIU 509 workers power Commonwealth public service agencies, institutions of higher education, family and child care programs, and group and nursing homes. Find out more about our sectors below!

Public Sector

State workers play a vital role in delivering essential human services to individuals and families across the Commonwealth, ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable communities.

Private Sector

Local 509 members in Private Sector Human Services (PSHS) deliver critical services across the state, including elder care, direct care support for individuals with developmental disabilities, and mental health programs.

HIgher Education

We are proud to represent thousands of faculty members, graduate workers, and ResLife workers at Bentley University, Boston University, Brandeis University, Lesley University, Northeastern University, and Tufts University.

Family Child Care

Local 509 represents over 3,000 family child care providers who are dedicated to providing early education and care for children across the Commonwealth. 

Read Our Latest Member Updates & News

White and yellow square Local 509 logo with subtitle "The Massachusetts Union for Human Service Workers and Educators" centered on purple rectangle.
Governance

Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winners!

Each year, our SEIU Local 509 Scholarship Program funds educational scholarship awards for fellow members and their dependents of the ...

A diverse group of people stand outside the Massachusetts State House holding signs that read “Care Not Cuts,” “No Cuts No Closures,” and “No Cuts No Closures Save Our Services.”.
Campaign Updates

2025 State Budget Priorities: Send an Email to Your State Legislators

Across Massachusetts, members like you provide high-quality care and support to young children, people with mental health needs, older adults, ...

A group of thirteen people wearing matching purple SEIU t-shirts pose together indoors, smiling and flexing their arms in a triumphant gesture, showing solidarity.
Higher Education

Simmons University adjuncts have won their union with SEIU 509!

VICTORY: After months of organizing, Simmons University adjuncts have won their union election! SEIU 509 members are thrilled to welcome ...

Local 509 Calendar of Events

stronger together

Barry Sanders Headshot

Barry Sanders For City Council

Office/district:

Taunton
Khrystian King Headshot

Khrystian King for City Council At-Large & Mayor

Office/district:

Worcester
Pete White Headshot

Pete White for City Council

Office/district:

Pittsfield
Screenshot

Hong Net for City Council At-Large

Office/district:

Lynn
A large group of people gathers in front of the Massachusetts State House, holding SEIU banners and wearing purple shirts.

Make Your Voice Heard!

Local 509 members have the power to elect leaders who will stand up for workers’ rights, defend our healthcare and retirement benefits, and fight for economic and racial justice. We also have the power to uplift candidates and ballot measures that will serve the best interests of the communities we serve and call home.

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