Born in Mississippi to a working-class home and inspired by the principles of his mother, Alphonso Mayfield has become a labor leader committed to developing a new vision for unionism that combines 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 has successfully expanded into new sectors and regions—most recently organizing more than 10,000 adjunct professors in seven colleges and universities across the state of Florida. Membership has also grown while successfully bargaining contracts that have 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 has successfully led the union to develop and establish progressive policies such as participatory budgeting programs, community benefit agreements, community schools, and will continue to actively support numerous groups focused on progressive activism and politics in communities of color. He has also successfully overseen mergers, joint ventures, and developed lasting alliances with labor, community, and business partners that continue to build our movement.
Alphonso Mayfield is currently Vice President of SEIU International representing two million members in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, as well as the Secretary Treasurer for SEIU Florida State Council. He continues to serve on numerous SEIU International committees committed to shaping the future of the labor movement and improving the lives of working families.
