About Us

Our Purpose

We are a member driven organization united by a common goal: strong unions contribute to a stronger community. We negotiate fair contracts for our members and advocate for working people and their families in New Hampshire.

Our Vision

Our vision is to make New Hampshire a fair and just place to live and work. With our partners, we aim to:

• Improve the working conditions and well-being of all NH citizens; leaving no one behind
• Protect and promote our members’ right to live and retire with dignity
• Negotiate robust worker-friendly contracts which empower our members to thrive
• Grow our membership to strengthen our collective power at worksites, in elections, and at the Legislature

Our History

In 1940, a group of NH state employees met to socialize and discuss issues of common concern.

Before long this informal group became the voice of state employees and by the 1960’s, nearly half of all state workers were SEA members and all employee benefits granted by the legislature were the result of the SEA’s agenda and lobbying efforts.

In 1984, the SEA affiliated with the SEIU, an international labor union that represents service industry workers around the globe, including public employees. This affiliation protected SEA’s independence while providing valuable assistance to the association in the areas of political action, collective bargaining, and organizing.

Where We Are Today

Since that time, SEA has come to represent employees’ interests in nearly 30 collective bargaining units, from towns and municipalities across the state, to a private psychiatric hospital.

An SEA Collective Bargaining Agreement spells out in writing such things as, wage rates, insurance, holiday pay, vacation time, and seniority. The contract also provides for such things as sick leave, jury duty, funeral leave, military service leave, hours of work, overtime, safety regulations, and conditions of employment.

SEA/SEIU Local 1984 has its own officers, governing body, and constitution and bylaws. It is a completely democratic organization and is truly member led and member driven. The union is as varied as its members because the union is the members. There are standing and ad hoc committees that address a myriad of special interests ranging from making changes to the constitution to procuring member benefits. There is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the union.

As a union, in addition to negotiating employee contracts and upholding them, we have addressed many of the social issues facing our state and country accessing affordable healthcare; the right to a dignified retirement; income inequality; and many others.

Who We Are

We represent over 10,000 public and private sector workers in New Hampshire, all committed to defending and improving the varied and critical services we provide for our state’s citizens and visitors.

We are the plow truck drivers who keep New Hampshire’s roads safe.

We are the nurses who care for your parents and grandparents in county nursing homes, at Glencliff Home, and at the Veterans’ Home.

We are the front line human services workers who keep children and elderly safe from harm.

We are the corrections and law enforcement officers who protect NH’s citizens and maintain order in state and county facilities.

We are full-time and part-time faculty and staff who make higher education possible for young and old.

Where We Work