Eliseo Medina Elected SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer

Today in Los Angeles, Eliseo Medina was unanimously elected as International Secretary-Treasurer of the 2.2 million-member Service Employees International Union.
“Forty-five years ago tomorrow, I walked in to a church as a 19 year-old grape picker having no idea what a union was but knowing something was wrong. I saw that the union gave us all the opportunity to help – the union showed us what we could do, and brought out the power in the hearts of each and every one of us to create the future we believed in,” said Medina after the election.
“Today workers of all races, colors and backgrounds are facing the greatest economic crisis in a generation, and I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to help working families rebuild a more just and inclusive country and make the dreams of our members a reality for everyone.”
Called “one of the most successful labor organizers in the country” by the Los Angeles Times and named one of the “Top 50 Most Powerful Latino Leaders” by Poder Magazine, Medina has spent more than 40 years giving workers across the country a voice on the job. Medina, who has lived in California for decades, is the first Latino to serve in the position.
“Eliseo has dedicated his life to fighting for equal rights and economic equality for every worker based on their desire to better our society, not the color of their skin or their national origin,” said SEIU President Mary Kay Henry.
SEIU 721 Executive Director John Tanner added, “Eliseo Medina is a true leader and a champion for working families. He will bring honor to the position.”
Get to know SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer Eliseo Medina:

• Watch a video tribute.
• Read his biography.
• Read the full release from today’s election.