As the nation celebrates Labor Day, a time dedicated to the achievements of American workers, it’s important to remember the role unions have played in shaping our workforce and society. Greg Kelley, the president of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas, which represents healthcare, child care, and home care workers, is a living testament to the power of unions. Kelley’s leadership is rooted not just in his professional accomplishments but also in his deeply personal connection to the labor movement—a connection forged through family, action, and the ability to stand up for fairness.
The Importance of Unions
“Unions are important for anyone with a job,” Kelley states firmly. His words cut to the core of why organized labor remains crucial today. From negotiating wages and benefits to providing a platform for civic engagement, unions have historically uplifted workers, especially in marginalized communities. “Black workers in particular make significantly more when they are in a union compared to when they are not,” Kelley emphasizes.
Kelley’s perspective isn’t just theoretical; it’s deeply personal. As the son of a union member, he witnessed firsthand how collective bargaining secured his family’s financial stability. “I was able to go to college because my dad had a union job that paid him a good wage and provided benefits,” he recalls. This personal connection to the labor movement fueled his passion for advocacy, shaping his career and life’s mission.
It’s also worth noting that Kelley defies the stereotypical image of a union president. He’s a true house head and a lover of hip-hop, yet he remains firmly grounded in his awareness of the needs of every single union member under his leadership.
A Legacy of Struggle and Triumph
Kelley’s journey into union leadership is intertwined with the broader history of labor movements in America. History is an important teacher that propels us to understand where we stand today. When we began preparing for this interview, we knew we wanted to look to the past.
The history of unions in America includes pivotal moments such as the Haymarket Square Massacre of 1886 in Chicago. The massacre, which stemmed from a peaceful rally in support of workers striking for an eight-hour workday, ended in violence and the deaths of both workers and police officers. This event marked a significant turning point in the labor movement, igniting global support for workers’ rights and leading to the establishment of May Day as International Workers’ Day.
The roots of labor unions in the United States stretch back to the late 18th century, with the formation of the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers in 1794. This early union set the stage for centuries of labor organizing, highlighting the importance of workers coming together to advocate for their rights. The labor movement grew throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, with unions playing a critical role in securing rights that many take for granted today, such as the eight-hour workday, child labor laws, and safer working conditions.
Today, there are over 14 million union members in the United States, a testament to the enduring power of collective action. Kelley’s leadership is a continuation of this legacy, one that began in the early seventies with his father’s involvement in forming a union for jail workers.
“Growing up with an understanding of organized labor and with my faith, I was set on this path of wanting to do work that mattered and improved my community,” Kelley explains.
Family and Faith: The Foundation of Kelley’s Journey
Kelley’s commitment to social justice and labor rights can be traced back to his upbringing in a family deeply rooted in both faith and activism. His father, a Vietnam War veteran, returned home to a country that struggled to provide employment opportunities for Black men. Faced with systemic racism and limited job prospects, Kelley’s father found work as a jail officer—a job that, at the time, was not unionized. The racial pay disparities between Black and white workers were stark, and it was this injustice that spurred Kelley’s father and his colleagues to form a union in the early 1970s.
“My dad was part of that movement,” Kelley recounts with pride. “He understood that coming together with his fellow workers was the only way to fight for fair wages and better working conditions.” This lesson in collective power left a lasting impression on the young Kelley, who grew up in a household where conversations about social justice, faith, and community were commonplace.
Kelley’s mother, a devoted member of the Baptist church, also played a significant role in shaping his worldview. “My Baptist upbringing has always influenced my outlook on the world, which means trying to make life better for others and advocating for the poor and those in need,” Kelley reflects. “That was ingrained in me as a child growing up in the Baptist church. That’s how my understanding of Christianity was formed: you have a responsibility to make the world better.”
With such strong role models, it’s no surprise that Kelley chose a path that combined his passion for justice with his dedication to improving the lives of others. After college, he became involved in organizing efforts and quickly realized that unions were a powerful vehicle for enacting change. “I helped organize my shop as a member, got involved, and eventually joined the staff. Now, 27 or 28 years later, I often remind people that I was a member before anything else,” Kelley shares. His rise through the ranks of the SEIU is a testament to his commitment to the labor movement and the values instilled in him by his parents.
Making History and Honoring the Past
As the first Black president of SEIU Illinois State Council, Kelley is acutely aware of the significance of his role. Yet, he humbly shifts the focus to those who came before him—specifically, the seven Black women who formed his union in the 1980s. These women, home care workers who were earning less than minimum wage, didn’t have the legal right to form a union, but they understood the power of coming together. “I’m humbled by their story. I don’t think much about being the first Black president because those Black women are the real trailblazers,” Kelley says. His leadership is not just about breaking barriers; it’s about amplifying the voices of those who paved the way.
Kelley’s humility is matched by his commitment to reflecting the needs and aspirations of his members. “I think they take pride in having a Black president. For me, it’s about trying to be excellent and making them proud,” he shares. This sense of responsibility drives Kelley to honor the legacy of his predecessors while forging a path for future generations.
Unions in the Age of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to workers, particularly those in healthcare. Kelley reflects on 2020 as the most challenging year of his career, but he reserves his highest praise for the members who showed up day after day, despite the risks. “While others were on Zoom, they went to work every day fighting the good fight,” he says, his voice tinged with both pride and sorrow. The trauma of 2020 continues to reverberate among healthcare workers, many of whom have left the industry due to the stress and danger they faced. But those who remain are more determined than ever to demand respect, pay, and protection.
Kelley’s leadership during the pandemic exemplifies the critical role unions play in advocating for workers’ rights, especially in times of crisis. His efforts to secure proper equipment and support for healthcare workers during the pandemic underscore the importance of unions in protecting not just wages and benefits but the very lives of their members.
The Power to Influence Elections
Beyond their role in the workplace, unions have long wielded significant political power, influencing the outcome of major elections. This influence is rooted in the ability of unions to mobilize large numbers of voters, particularly in key swing states. “There’s power in organized people,” Kelley states. “Better outcomes are achieved when we work together.”
The history of unions’ involvement in politics dates back to the early 20th century, when labor leaders began to recognize the importance of electing officials who supported workers’ rights. The passage of the Wagner Act in 1935, which guaranteed workers the right to organize and bargain collectively, was a direct result of union lobbying efforts. Since then, unions have played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape, from supporting the New Deal to backing civil rights legislation.
Today, unions remain a powerful force in American politics. In recent elections, union endorsements have been crucial in securing victories for candidates who advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. Kelley’s SEIU, for example, has been at the forefront of efforts to elect pro-labor candidates in the Midwest. “Our members understand that their votes can make a difference,” Kelley says. “We’ve seen it time and time again—when unions turn out, we can swing elections.”
Kelley also notes that the issues unions advocate for—such as healthcare, fair wages, and worker protections—are often central to election campaigns. “These aren’t just labor issues; they’re issues that affect everyone,” he explains. “When we fight for our members, we’re fighting for all working people.”
The Ongoing Fight for Justice
Beyond the immediate challenges of the pandemic, Kelley sees a broader mission for unions: to address the systemic inequalities that have left communities of color disproportionately vulnerable. His office, located near one of Chicago’s largest migrant shelters, is a constant reminder of the city’s unmet needs. “What you’re seeing is a lack of investment over many years,” Kelley says, pointing to the tents and homeless encampments visible from his office window. For Kelley, the fight for workers’ rights is inseparable from the fight for social justice.
“There’s power in organized people. Better outcomes are achieved when we work together,” he asserts, reaffirming his belief in the collective power of unions to bring about change.
Kelley’s strategy for advancing the interests of SEIU is rooted in the principle of shared interests. “Despite our differences, we are stronger together,” he says, echoing a sentiment that has driven labor movements for over a century. For Kelley, the key to successful negotiations lies in building win-win situations, where both workers and employers see the benefits of fair wages and working conditions. “If an employer cares about their workers and community and isn’t solely driven by profits, sharing those profits can benefit everyone,” he explains.
The Path Forward
As Labor Day fades into memory and the country resumes its daily rhythms, Kelley’s story remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights. His journey from the son of a union worker to a leading figure in the labor movement is a testament to the enduring power of unity and the impact that one dedicated individual can have on society.
Kelley offers a message for those who may still question the relevance of unions. He points to the history of his union, which began with women who were disrespected and underpaid, and who, through collective action, secured better wages, benefits, and respect. “Unions helped stabilize communities,” Kelley states, drawing a direct line between the strength of unions and the strength of the American economy. For Kelley, the fight for workers’ rights is not just about improving wages; it’s about building stable, thriving communities.
Kelley’s words resonate with the wisdom of experience and the passion of a leader committed to justice: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. We have to demand and fight for what we want and deserve.” It’s a call to action, not just for union members but for all who believe in the power of unity to transform lives.
This story, published just two days after Labor Day, serves as a tribute to the labor movement and a celebration of the ongoing work of individuals like Kelley, who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of justice and equality for all workers.