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Service Employees International Union

Sharon-Frances Moore

SHARON-FRANCES MOORE JOINED Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 221 as president in March 2007—the first president of an SEIU local who didn’t come from inside the organization. Moore’s experience in law, government and national nonprofits provides a diverse background that benefits her 10,000-plus union members.

“My professional background brings a new perspective to the campaign to advance San Diego’s working families,” says Moore. “I come from a working family and understand the issues they face every day.”

As president, Moore represents county, city, school, Head Start, Housing Commission and Superior Court employees. Her current challenge is protecting the retirement security, wages and benefits of her members. She has already started preparations for contract negotiations with the county of San Diego in 2009.

Moore is working closely with her union members and 33 staff to make positive changes for the union. One change involves taking the union to her members. She held membership meetings around the county to make it easier for her members to attend instead of holding one large meeting, which was the tradition. Her goal is to provide members a direct role in setting priorities, identifying areas of growth and to give them a voice in shaping a better future.

SEIU Local 221 is partnering with community allies to make a difference in the lives of all San Diegans, not just union members. One example is It’s Our Healthcare, a campaign that addresses the healthcare crisis and brings awareness to the need for comprehensive healthcare reform for all Californians.

“I have a fantastic staff that is comprised of people from union and nonunion backgrounds, who share the vision of becoming the leading voice for working families,” says Moore.

To take the SEIU president position, Moore moved from New York City, where she led the Tribeca Organization, a 9/11 recovery organization.

“SEIU is the fastest-growing and most innovative union in the labor movement,” she says. “I’m blessed to have the chance to put my unique skills to work for my members.”