Back in the United States, Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern is reportedly preparing to step down. Since taking over at the SEIU in 1996, Stern has helped expand the SEIU’s ranks to over 2.2 million members while becoming an influential political figure in Washington. But he’s earned scores of critics, who have accused him of sacrificing worker rights and the democratic process for the sake of growth and political sway. Stern is expected to officially announce his retirement later this week.