Biography
Betty McShan-Boles started her journey with SEIU Local 73 as a member in November 1981 while working at the Chicago Housing Authority and as an employee of SEIU Local 73 September 1997 for a combined total of thirty (38) years. Being concerned about language she wanted to see in her contract, ran for the position of Union Steward and won. She then ran for a seat on the bargaining committee and was elected by her colleagues. Due to her efforts, paid maternity benefits were included in the collective bargaining agreement between SEIU Local 73 and the Chicago Housing Authority. In October 1989. Betty’s hard work led her to be elevated to the position of Chief Union Steward. As Chief Union Steward and Executive Board member, Betty was blessed to attend a conference in New Orleans whereby the AFRAM Caucus was born. Betty has served as a member and President of the Chicago Chapter, Vice President - Central Region and current National Board Member representing Retirees. Betty’s dedication to fighting for the rights of others to be heard and fair treatment in the workplace stood out among her colleagues and came to the attention of then President Tom Balanoff and Executive Assistant to the President Christine Boardman and in September 1997 she was offered a position as Union Representative. Betty continued to climb the ladder of success at SEIU Local 73 under the leadership of Christine Boardman while continuing to advocate for the rights of members that she represented. Betty was promoted to Senior Union Representative in September 1999, Director of the Cook County Division in September 2001 and Vice President in October 2004 where she was reelected four times. On April 26, 2019, Betty retired from SEIU Local 73 but remains active in the struggle for equality and justice for all as a retiree. Betty is also known for her extensive service to her community. Betty has dedicated her life and made it her mission to seek social and economic justice for all. She has skillfully trained many individuals throughout the labor movement to ensure their success as effective labor leaders in their respective workplaces. Her motto is “each one, teach one.”