Nearly 25% of Oakland SEIU Members Revolt, Seek to Decertify Union

Disillusioned with SEIU's political focus, former members aim to form new union

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Nearly one out of every four Oakland SEIU Local 1021 members have left the union and declined paying dues, with some former members citing disillusionment with SEIU's spending millions of dollars on political activities and lobbying. A group of former SEIU 1021 leaders, chapter presidents, vice presidents, and stewards have left SEIU and seek to form an alternative union for Oakland city workers called Oakland Workers United.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing divide between public sector union leadership and their rank-and-file members, as well as the outsized political influence unions wield in cities like Oakland. If successful, the decertification of SEIU 1021 would be a major blow to the union's power and could serve as a model for other public sector workers dissatisfied with their union's priorities.

The details

Since 2021, nearly 503 out of 2,031 listed City of Oakland SEIU members have left the union and stopped paying dues, a much higher rate of withdrawal compared to other city bargaining units. Some SEIU members who have withdrawn cite disillusionment with SEIU's focus on political activities and lobbying, which SEIU spends millions of dollars on each year. Oakland Workers United, led by former SEIU 1021 leaders, is now seeking to decertify SEIU and form a new union to represent Oakland city workers.

  • The decertification petition window for Oakland SEIU 1021 members is from March 2 through March 31, 2026.
  • Oakland Workers United held a rally and press conference on March 4, 2025 to announce their organizing effort.

The players

SEIU Local 1021

A public sector union representing over 2,000 City of Oakland workers and more than 60,000 members across Northern California. SEIU is a major power broker in Oakland politics.

Oakland Workers United (OWU)

A group of former SEIU 1021 leaders, chapter presidents, vice presidents, and stewards who have left SEIU and are seeking to decertify the union and form a new union to represent Oakland city workers.

Al Marshall

The founder of Oakland Workers United and a former SEIU 1021 chapter president.

Seneca Scott

A former East Bay Director for SEIU Local 1021 who is now supporting the organizing efforts of Oakland Workers United and providing media and public relations support.

Sheng Thao

The former mayor of Oakland who was recalled by voters and later indicted by the federal government on corruption charges. SEIU 1021 contributed $50,000 to help Thao fight her recall.

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What they’re saying

“SEIU 1021 crossed the line when they moved over into politics & forgot about representing their members who pay the dues.”

— Al Marshall, Oakland Workers United founder and former SEIU 1021 Chapter President

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.