Johnny Earl is stepping down as the SEIU President. Johnny Earl is a Custodial Coordinator in Campus Planning and Facilities services at University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore., (Kemper Flood/ Daily Emerald).
Johnny Earl was a student at the University of Oregon many years ago, but he’d be the first to admit that the person he is today is considerably different compared to that time. He has gone from being an independent worker as a student to working tirelessly in the Service Employees International Union for the last 23 years.
When Earl was a student at UO, he didn’t join any organizations or clubs. When he came back to the university 23 years ago, the SEIU approached him about getting more involved, which ultimately led to him joining SEIU 085 and the lasting impact he has made since.
“While being here and getting more involved in the union, I gained my voice in public speaking and also to be able to express my thoughts clearly,” Earl said. “And, also willing to stand up to management and hard decisions that are made not only on the management part but on the union part.”
SEIU sub-local 085 represents classified staff at the University of Oregon. SEIU 085 is a sub-local branch of SEIU Local 503, which represents thousands of people statewide.
After serving his second term as the SEIU Local 085 president for the last year and a half, Earl has chosen not to be on this year’s SEIU 085 election ballot to be an executive director or president. He will instead run for president of SEIU Local 503. However, his name will continue to be seen as an SEIU 085 union steward, a position he has served since he first joined the union.
Earl stated that he was also the president of SEIU 085 for a year and a half in 2002 and 2003, and that process was very identical to the situation he recently faced. The president at that time received a new opportunity elsewhere, and Earl was asked to step up to become president. This time, Earl reassures that this tenure will be the second and final time that he runs for president of SEIU 085.
“I’ve been the president twice, and I will say that it’s the last time I’ll be the president,” Earl said. “It’s a really rewarding position. You get a lot of opportunities to speak to our membership and get to know people.”
Over the years, Earl discussed becoming a great listener and negotiator at the bargaining table. He also alluded to his loud talking during rallies as a display of passion, which he states has changed his life and trajectory.
Earl is grateful for the previous managers who encouraged him to have a voice and speak out, and that they have not been threatened or disconcerted by the work he does to help others. Some of his closest friends were made when he was in school, and Earl believes the work he does represents those people.
Many colleagues, including incoming SEIU 085 President Jennifer Smith, appreciate the countless tasks he takes on as a leader in the union and the energy he carries in serving the people.
“Becoming more invested in the success of Oregon in general was incredibly inspirational and he made it seem possible to join him there in that land of care, energy and passion,” Smith said. “He’s an incredible speaker and motivator. Through his tutelage, I feel like I am capable of leading the membership into the next phase.”
One of the biggest challenges Earl believes exists in the union is that there is no true line item budget for higher education, stating that the state of Oregon doesn’t do a good job supporting its citizens with money. Earl is interested in seeing how to earn more funding for higher education.
Earl also states that it’s been a challenge to see the growth of the management level compared to the classified level in the university and that it’s been challenging to get enough people at UO to apply for that work.
“I’m going to really work on focusing on ensuring that workers get the increases they need by the legislators giving more money to the university. I’m also going to do that with state workers as well,” Earl said. “I think I’m a great leader when it comes to expressing the interest of our members.”
It was announced on Sept. 27, 2022, that Earl was elected as the SEIU Local 503 vice president. During his time in this position, Earl has made a strong case for his presidency in this upcoming election, especially through his accomplishments and the power in his voice.
“We can feel his impact in the power of bargaining and negotiation with university management and his important matter of diversity and inclusions,” SEIU 085 Secretary Mohamed Mounir said. “I hope this will be a motivating factor in the future generations for more diverse people to join the union and union leadership.”
Earl has thoroughly enjoyed his time working with SEIU 085 and feels as if he’s part of a community. He states that working for the local SEIU at UO was the best decision he ever made, appreciating the bond he feels with people in Eugene and the safety he feels in this community.
“When I came to Oregon for the first time, I didn’t feel like I was being judged by the color of my skin,” Earl said. “I’m hoping that my work in the union will reflect on the character of the man I have become … I want to be judged not by what I say but by what I do.”
As Earl prepares for a new chapter in his career, remaining in the SEIU and doing work for the UO’s sub-local union will be his priority. He understands there are still many challenges that they must face as a union, and he hopes to be in control of the SEIU’s goals and aspirations for the next few years to come.
“Change is inevitable,” Earl said. “I‘m so proud that the next leadership team of our union is eager to take their roles. I’m so happy that I’ve been able to spend time doing the work I do and feeling like I made a difference in a lot of our members’ lives because it made a difference in mine.”
