We are 120,000 healthcare workers, patients and advocates fighting for affordable, high-quality care for every Californian.
Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is California’s healthcare workers union. We live and work across the state, from the North State to the Bay Area, the Central Valley, Los Angeles and San Diego, at Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, Sutter Health, Tenet, Prime Healthcare, Sharp HealthCare, dialysis clinics and community clinics. Join our union or find member resources.
Who we are
Frontline healthcare workers
Respiratory therapists, nursing staff, dietary and environmental services workers and more, who go above and beyond every day to keep Californians healthy. Most of us work in the state’s largest private hospitals and clinics.
Patients and advocates
Healthcare consumers who are fed up with corporations putting profits before patients and failing to deliver the care our families and communities deserve.
What SEIU-UHW members win
We get results
Political victories
From Sacramento to the ballot box, we win laws that protect patients and the people who care for them.
We get results
Contract victories
At the bargaining table, members win raises, fully paid family healthcare and real retirement security.
A member-led union
Our Leadership
The Executive Board is the highest leadership body of our union, led by President Dave Regan and Vice President Debru Carthan.
Our Caucuses
AFRAM, Asian Pacific Islander, Latino, Lavender, Young Workers and Retiree caucuses: inclusive spaces for members to connect and lead.
How our union is governed
SEIU-UHW members lead and drive our union. We have the largest union Executive Board in the United States, with one board member elected for every 500 members, by employer type and region.
Leadership Vacancy Elections
When an Executive Board seat opens, the members it represents elect a new leader. See open seats, nomination forms and election dates.
2026 Executive Board Election
Results and the vote count recording from the 2026 election of our President, Vice President, Executive Committee and Executive Board.
Part of SEIU and the labor movement
Across the country
SEIU-UHW is an affiliate of the two million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU). SEIU’s member unions are united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide, and dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society.
Across California
The SEIU California State Council coordinates the positions of SEIU local unions on issues that affect over 700,000 workers in California. Its mission is to increase economic fairness for working people, ensure high-quality services, and create a well-funded, equitable, just and prosperous California.
Frequently asked questions about SEIU-UHW
What is SEIU-UHW?
SEIU-UHW (Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 healthcare workers, patients and healthcare consumers in California. We are a local union of SEIU, which has two million members.
Who does SEIU-UHW represent?
Frontline healthcare workers across California, organized in two divisions, Hospitals and Kaiser, including respiratory therapists, nursing staff, and dietary and environmental services workers, at hospitals and health systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, Sutter Health, Tenet, Prime Healthcare and Sharp HealthCare, as well as dialysis and community clinics.
How do I join SEIU-UHW?
If you’re a California healthcare worker who wants a union at your workplace, talk to an organizer. Your conversation is confidential.
I’m already a member. Where do I find my contract or steward?
Log in to MyUHW to find your steward or union representative and read your contract, or visit Member Resources.
Who leads SEIU-UHW?
Members lead our union. Members elect our President, Vice President, Executive Committee and Executive Board, the highest leadership body of SEIU-UHW. Our Constitution and Bylaws set the rules for how SEIU-UHW is governed.
What is a union steward?
A steward is an SEIU-UHW member, elected by co-workers, who represents members day to day on issues at work. Your steward is your first stop for questions or concerns at your worksite.
More questions? See our full FAQ. Want to work for SEIU-UHW? See jobs at SEIU-UHW.
Want a union at your workplace?
Talk to an SEIU-UHW organizer. Your conversation is confidential.
