In the midst of ongoing federal attacks on unions, immigrants, women, and the LGBTQIA+ community, nearly 5,000 SEIU members and union activists from around the world gathered at the June 2026 Labor Notes conference in Chicago. 

With almost 300 workshops focusing on topics such as building grassroots solidarity, reviving the strike, beating apathy, and fighting for a more aggressive, democratic labor movement, the biennial conference trained workers in new organizing skills and inspired them to get into good trouble.

Among the thousands of SEIU members who committed their time and energy to this galvanizing experience, a 24-participant SEIU 1021 delegation also attended the conference.

For SEIU 1021 Vice President of Representation Nicole Germain, the conference was energizing and challenging, “Conferences like this push us forward and force us to ask, ‘What are we doing?’ It’s easy to be discouraged with current world leaders, but we can’t lose hope. We have to come together and take action! This conference has helped open my eyes to what we can and should do to build power together.”

Centered on the theme “Put the movement back in the labor movement,” the conference intentionally brought together union “troublemakers” to help build resistance to ever-expanding threats trickling down from the current administration. In a time where the federal government loudly proclaims unions to be the enemy, this is a bold stance, and one that attendees did not shy away from.

In addition to building workers’ skills to mobilize coworkers and grow member leadership, there was also an emphasis on sustaining the labor movement and the people who drive it—by not shying away from difficult conversations, including how to avoid burnout and navigate difficult internal union dynamics, workshops such as “What to Do When Your Union Breaks Your Heart, helped workers build resiliency against the pitfalls of labor activism not often discussed.

For many new chapter leaders, the invigorating workshops and hard conversations translated into a renewed sense of purpose.

“Attending this conference gave me so much inspiration, and I came back from Chicago ready to put these new ideas into action! What I realized, more than anything, is that we, as a union, need to come together and get more involved and organize,” said SEIU 1021 Alameda Chapter President Denesha Williams.

A key takeaway is the urgent need to build a stronger union. This effort starts with members working together in their determination and drive to fight back. 

Turn inspiration into action this summer. SEIU 1021 members can sharpen their organizing skills, deepen their knowledge, and connect with fellow members through our summer training courses offered July through September. All members are eligible. 

Whether you’re looking to grow as a leader, strengthen your workplace, or help build power across your union, now is the time to step up!