Labor Spotlight- Chanell Biami

Chanell Biami grew up on the north side of Milwaukee WI and was raised by a stay-at-home Grandmother and Aunt who worked as a proud United States Postal Worker for 25 years. Chanell’s aunt’s strong work ethic was instilled in her at a very young age.

Chanell is a Business Representative for the Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, Workers United/SEIU and has held that position for almost 5 years.

Chanell became involved with the Union in 2004, local 122, while working in hospitality. Her willingness and eagerness to defend people in her shop led her to become a Union Steward. In 2008 she attended a Labor school with Workers United and it ignited a passion for fighting for social justice and political activism. In 2017 Chanell had the opportunity to work as a volunteer organizer and one of her proudest accomplishments was her ability to help create leaders and educate them on the importance of the UNION. Chanell has also worked on numerous political campaigns and assisted with the election of labor friendly candidates being elected for office. Chanell is very proud of her ability to represent a thousand members throughout the Midwest and move them into action when needed.

Chanell currently serves on the Committee on Political Education(COPE) and as a Delegate for Milwaukee Area Labor Council (MALC). Additionally, Chanell is an active participant on the Minnesota State Council of SEIU.

The importance of the labor and civil rights movement coming together is that worker’s rights are both a human right and a civil right, and when combined makes a community thrive as a whole. A quote Chanell often uses is, “It’s not always about you but it could be you, that’s why we fight”.