Born in Mississippi to a working-class home and inspired by the principles of his mother, Alphonso Mayfield became a labor leader committed to developing a new vision for unionism that combined a commitment to power in the workplace with broader demands for economic, racial, and social justice for all. Mayfield was appointed as Interim President of SEIU Florida Public Services Union in 2009 and was formally elected to serve as President shortly after in 2010.
Under his leadership, SEIU-FPSU successfully expanded into new sectors and regions—organizing more than 10,000 adjunct professors in seven colleges and universities across the state of Florida. Membership grew while he also successfully bargained contracts that improved benefits, wages, and workplace protections even in austere economic times.
By advancing these new bargaining strategies that combine the needs of workers and the communities they live in, President Mayfield successfully led the union to develop and establish progressive policies such as participatory budgeting programs, community benefit agreements, community schools, and actively supporting numerous groups focused on progressive activism and politics in communities of color. He also successfully oversaw mergers, joint ventures, and developed lasting alliances with labor, community, and business partners that continue to build our movement.
Alphonso Mayfield was Vice President of SEIU International, representing two million members in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and was the Secretary Treasurer for SEIU Florida State Council. He served on numerous SEIU International committees committed to shaping the future of the labor movement and improving the lives of working families.