Andy Stern, the president of the Service Employees International Union, went into its convention under heavy fire from one of its largest locals, but he emerged stronger — overwhelmingly re-elected for another four years and with his power consolidated.

At the convention in San Juan, P. R., which ended on Wednesday, the nearly 2,000 delegates followed Mr. Stern’s lead and voted to give the union’s top officials more power to bargain with large, nationwide employers, somewhat reducing the role of individual locals in negotiations.

Mr. Stern has repeatedly argued that as employers grow larger and operate at a national and even international level, unions must do the same. To help deal with these ever-larger employers, he persuaded the delegates to create nationwide industry bargaining councils.

In an unusual move, Mr. Stern said, “I pledge we will, before the next convention,” gain legislation “that guarantees affordable health care for every man, every woman and every child.” He also pledged that Congress would pass legislation to make it easier to unionize millions of additional workers.

Now these are ambitious promises and hopefully the rank and file will hold them to their promises.  If not then, make them pay.