Earlier this year, SEIU 1021 members in the East Bay elected Derrick Boutte as their regional vice president—and for many, it was a familiar choice. A longtime leader, Derrick also serves as president of SEIU 1021’s African American Caucus (AFRAM). But beyond his union titles, he’s a proud father, a sports enthusiast, and a man deeply committed to labor and community. Known for stepping up when others need help, Derrick has built a career—and a reputation—on meeting challenges head-on and bringing people together in solidarity.

In this interview, we caught up with Derrick to learn more about his journey from the hospital floor to union leadership, the victories that shaped him, and his vision for the East Bay and beyond.

Rooted in union values from the start

Union values were part of Derrick’s life long before he joined SEIU 1021. His father worked as a merchant seaman, taking jobs at shipyards in different ports, so the presence and importance of unions was always in the background of Derrick’s upbringing.

When he began working toward a degree in sports broadcasting, Derrick sought stable work that could support him financially. Surrounded by family who worked in healthcare—his aunt in dentistry, his mother as a clinical nurse in outpatient care—he took a job at Highland Hospital (then Alameda County Medical Center) in housekeeping.

Stepping up for coworkers

It wasn’t long before Derrick began advocating for his coworkers. “A lot of people weren’t computer savvy or familiar with their rights. I understood a little bit about contracts and workers’ rights, so I stepped up,” he recalled.

That willingness to lead turned into a shop steward position, the beginning of an 18-year journey in the union. Over 21 years of employment at Highland Hospital, Derrick has served in nearly every corner of SEIU 1021’s structure:

• 14 years on the SEIU 1021 Executive Board—the longest continuous tenure in the union’s history
• 2 consecutive terms as Social & Economic Justice Committee (SEJ) Chair (termed out)
• 3 years as SEIU 1021 Retirement Security Committee chair
• Alameda Health System chapter president
• Service on numerous committees and working groups across the union

“I’ve worked in many facets of SEIU 1021,” Derrick said. “I believe having that depth of experience helps me connect with members from all classifications and backgrounds.”

On the front lines at Alameda Health System

One of Derrick’s defining moments came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when SEIU 1021 members at Alameda Health System (AHS) went on strike to demand stronger safety protections, including adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

“It was about holding our employer accountable,” Derrick said. “We had everyone—doctors, nurses, physical therapists, radiology techs—standing together for the same goal: safe, quality patient care. We were frontline workers and humanitarians for our community. When we won that fight, it validated how important and indispensable we are.”

AFRAM and the power of cultural solidarity

As AFRAM president, Derrick sees his work as both personal and political. “AFRAM is about who we are as Black people and people of color—it’s about building power for our communities,” he said. Influenced by the legacy of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, he sees AFRAM as a bridge between the labor and civil rights movements, connecting history to present-day struggles like Black Lives Matter.

“It’s about weaving that fabric of solidarity together,” he said. “Understanding our goals, tapping into our support systems, and standing for who we are.”

Family, stability, and opportunity

Union membership hasn’t just shaped Derrick’s career—it’s impacted his family. His daughters, inspired by both parents’ work in healthcare, have built their own successful careers in the field. Both serve as registered nurses in the East Bay.

“Through our education fund and the stability of a union job, my daughters saw the value of serving the community,” Derrick said with pride. “They understand that healthcare is about providing for people who need it most.”

Looking ahead: legacy and leadership

Now serving as East Bay VP and AFRAM president, Derrick wants his legacy to be about outreach, recruitment, and engagement—both in the workplace and in the community.

“I want people to see that you can start in a role like housekeeping and still make a lasting impact,” he said. “Whether it’s through ceasefire programs, partnerships with nonprofits, or regional organizing, I want to leave a path for others to follow.”

His advice to new members—especially young Black workers—is simple: “You can make a difference. Believe in yourself, take the first step to get involved, and know you have a whole union behind you. That’s what solidarity is all about.”