New Leader May Bring Unity to Labor
A unified front will make labor a stronger force in contract negotiations.
A more unified labor movement maybe the result of a leadership change at the Service Employees International Union. The resignation of Andy Stern, the larger-than-life president, and the election of Mary Kay Henry as his replacement, will likely mean much closer ties with the AFL-CIO, maybe even a full reconciliation. Other unions that broke away may also return. “There’ll be more cordiality with the AFL-CIO and down the road there’s the potential for a reunion,” says Richard Hurd, professor of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.
With Stern leading the charge, SEIU and other unions broke away from the AFL-CIO in 2005 to form the “Change to Win” coalition. At the time Stern emphasized the need to grow union membership and while SEIU grew significantly during Stern’s presidency, other Change to Win unions were not as successful. “It’s difficult to grow labor in an economy that sheds seven million jobs in two years,” says Marick Masters, Director of Labor at Wayne State University.
Henry is expected to focus on healing the divisions in the labor movement. Henry was the head of SEIU’s health care division before being picked by the union’s executive board to fill out the term of Stern. Stern’s candidate, Anna Burger, dropped out of the running as it became clear that support for Henry was substantial.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
A united labor movement has a better chance to be more effective. During Stern’s tenure he antagonized many in the labor movement, most notably, a large local in California and Unite Here which represents restaurant and hotel workers. Infighting among unions could give the appearance of labor as weak and divided and could cause employers not to take their demands as seriously as they might if presented with a united front.
Henry vows to maintain a political role, but it won’t be her top priority as it was with Stern, who became one of Obama’s close allies and strategists. “The vote for Henry signals a move back to pre-2006 days when the primary focus was on growth through organizing and NOT politics,” says Hurd.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Average Spending by Age for Those 55 and Up: Are You Thrifty?
Everybody has their own number for how much they’ll spend in retirement. See if your's is in line with the averages.
-
IRS Paper Checks Deadline: What Happens After September 30?
Tax Changes Avoid delays when IRS tax refunds and Social Security paper checks are cut off. Here’s what to know.
-
Small Businesses Are Racing to Use AI
The Kiplinger Letter Spurred on by competitive pressures, small businesses are racing to adopt AI. A recent snapshot shows the technology’s day-to-day uses.
-
How AI Puts Company Data at Risk
The Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.
-
AI Start-ups Are Rolling in Cash
The Kiplinger Letter Investors are plowing record sums of money into artificial intelligence start-ups. Even as sales grow swiftly, losses are piling up for AI firms.
-
What is AI Worth to the Economy?
The Letter Spending on AI is already boosting GDP, but will the massive outlays being poured into the technology deliver faster economic growth in the long run?
-
Kiplinger Special Report: Business Costs for 2026
Economic Forecasts Fresh forecasts for 2026, to help you plan ahead and prepare a budget on a range of business costs, from Kiplinger's Letters team.
-
Trump-Era Regulations Will Broaden Access to Crypto
The Kiplinger Letter The president wants to make the U.S. the leader in digital assets.
-
How to Adopt AI and Keep Employees Happy
The Kiplinger Letter As business adoption of AI picks up, employee morale could take a hit. But there are ways to avoid an AI backlash.
-
The Rise of AI: A Kiplinger Special Report
The Kiplinger Letter Our special report looks at the opportunities and challenges of generative AI and how its rapid move into the mainstream is impacting every aspect of our lives.