State Budget Update: What We’ve Won & the Fight Ahead
Check out some highlights of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget!
- join us
Fighting for respect and dignity


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.
- Latest News
Read Our Latest Member Updates & News
Take Action: Protect DTA Services!
With looming federal cuts from the Trump administration and a rising cost of living crisis, the services provided by Department ...
State Budget Update: What We’ve Won and the Fight Ahead
In the face of looming budget cuts to essential services, our members pushed back and did not let the Healey ...
Join SEIU 509 at Boston’s ADA 35 Rally & March!
On July 23, 2025, SEIU 509 members will join community partners to honor the 35th anniversary of the Americans with ...
- Upcoming Events
Local 509 Calendar of Events
DCF Chapter Board Meeting
VirtualFor more information, please contact DCF Chapter President Ethel Everett: dcf@seiu509.org
DDS Chapter Board Meeting
VirtualFor more information, please contact DDS Chapter President Tina Simmerman: dds@seiu509.org
MassHealth Chapter Board Meeting
VirtualFor more information, please contact MassHealth Chapter President Christopher Baratz: masshealth@seiu509.org
- political action
stronger together

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.
