Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Andy Stern

Author of 'A Country That Works' | President Emeritus of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) | Speaker on Labor, Leadership, and the Future of Work

Andy Stern Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Author of 'A Country That Works' | President Emeritus of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) | Speaker on Labor, Leadership, and the Future of Work

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Andy Stern
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
DCA - Washington, DC

Primary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management

Secondary Topic Category:
Politics

 

Andy Stern Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Andy Stern is the President Emeritus of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where he led for 14 years, transforming it into one of the fastest-growing unions in North America. Under his leadership, SEIU expanded its membership by over 1.2 million workers, securing improved wages and conditions for countless employees. Named among the 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine, Stern's bold approaches to labor issues have made him a respected voice in advocating for workers' rights. He continues to influence policy discussions on the future of work and the evolving labor landscape.

Andy Stern stands out as a transformative leader and a formidable advocate for workers’ rights in the United States. Serving as the President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) from 1996 to 2010, Stern's tenure was marked by rapid growth and innovative strategies. Under his guidance, SEIU became one of the most dynamic and influential unions in the country, expanding its membership from 1.1 million to over 2.2 million. His leadership helped SEIU to engage effectively with a broad spectrum of workers, enhancing their collective bargaining power and fostering a sense of community within the union. Born in 1950, Stern’s early experiences in post-war America seemed to shape his dedicated approach to social justice and equity. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in education, setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to advocating for others. His career in labor activism ignited shortly after, when he started as a social service worker and rose steadily through the ranks due to his dedication and forward-thinking approaches. One of Andy Stern’s hallmark innovations was his emphasis on aligning union strategies with political influence to advance labor laws and workers’ conditions. He played a pivotal role in the passage of health care reform, advocating tirelessly for policies that offered tangible benefits to his membership base. His out-of-the-box thinking also led to significant collaborations with non-traditional allies, including community organizations and businesses, challenging the conventional boundaries of labor activism. Stern’s strategic vision often embraced technological advances and the global outlook necessary for modern labor movements. He recognized early on the potential impacts of globalization and automation on the labor force, and he was known for being proactive rather than reactive in addressing such challenges. His ability to predict and adapt to these changes not only kept SEIU at the forefront of labor movements but also set a new standard for union leadership in the 21st century. Beyond his role at SEIU, Andy Stern continues to influence public discourse through various platforms. As a thought leader, author, and lecturer, he remains committed to exploring new ideas about the future of work and economic equality. His insights are sought after by academics, policymakers, and business leaders alike, reflecting his enduring commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable economy for all workers. His legacy is one of innovation, growth, and an unwavering dedication to the rights of working people worldwide.
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