Unions should not be lapdogs to a political party, they should be watchdogs for their members' interests.

The union is much more than me, and when you think the union is you and it’s not about who you represent, I think you’ve sort of lost your morals and focus and the purpose of your leadership.

I’ll never run for office. But I intend, either on the fiscal commission or on issues like immigration, to hopefully have my voice be heard.

The union movement has been the best middle class job creating program that America has ever had, and it doesn’t cost the government a dime.

Today I send this message to every emerging global corporation: “justice; family, community, and union” are the same in every language and, wherever you go and whatever you do, a new global labor movement is coming to find you.

The question is always ‘What is the role of a labor movement?’ How much is about collective bargaining, how much is about social change for all workers?

In 1972, I signed a union card for SEIU. And for the last 38 years, 14 as president, it’s been my life. I’ve seen the most miraculous, spectacular things. But there’s a time to learn, a time to lead and a time to leave.

American workers won’t be able to compete fairly for jobs until companies have to pay higher wages in countries like China and India.

Workers of the world unite. It’s not just a slogan anymore.

I’m not running from any particular problems, I just want to take some time and figure out in my life where I can keep doing what I’m doing but in a way that I can also honor what I want to do for myself.