About Local 509
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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.
Annual Reports
2025 Annual Report ( ENG | ESP)
2024 Annual Report ( ENG | ESP)
2023 Annual Report ( ENG | ESP)
2022 Annual Report ( ENG | ESP)
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
SEIU Local 509 Constitution and Code of Ethics – June 2025 | Constitución de SEIU Local 509 y Código de Etica – junio 2025
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:
Equity and justice for marginalized communities
We believe in respect and equity for all workers and people across gender, race, ability, religion, age, country of origin, and sexual orientation. As advocates for change, we must ensure that our fight for social justice reflects the needs of those impacted by it. This means supporting communities of color, immigrants, different abilities, genders, and LGBTQ people.
A healthy environment and green future
The impact of climate change disproportionately hurts working people and low-income people. The impact of climate change is shaped by racism and discrimination. As workers, we have the power to shape the world around us, and we must commit to a green future through a green workforce and reducing our carbon footprints.
Equitable education
A student’s background should not determine the quality of their education. Education justice is a pillar of our democracy. As educators, students, and parents, we are committed to fighting for an equitable education system that meets the needs of families and educators, from early childhood education to higher education.
Accessible, quality healthcare
Corporations and insurance companies continue to profit while working people across the country are lacking the medical coverage and care that everyone deserves. Access to healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. In order to have healthy communities and neighborhoods, healthcare must be equitable, putting quality, access, and people above profits.
A fair and accepting immigration system
Immigrants must be given a path to citizenship. Everyone deserves to live in the place they call home without fear. Justice for our neighbors, for workers and all families means fighting back against the criminalization and discrimination of immigrants.
The right to age with dignity
We believe that everyone deserves the peace of mind that they will be able to age with dignity and respect. As we service the public, we must seek to ensure that the people who do work in the public interest and in the public good are not only compensated fairly while working, but are able to have a life in retirement that is reflective of the value of their work.
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