Department of Transitional Assistance

Arthur Casey - Chapter President

This has been a difficult year as we continue to deal with high caseloads and not enough workers to keep up with the volume of work.

To add to the confusion, we have had to endure the disruption to staff and clients caused by a hurricane and a devastating tornado.  I want to thank all our members for their hard work in difficult times. We have received an unprecedented amount of overtime to get this extra work completed this year.

We filed a bill to have Civil Service exams given again in DTA.  It passed out of committee favorably at the State House and is now at House Ways and Means awaiting consideration.  This is a great first step for us.  We continue, in our never ending journey, to advocate for increasing Line Item 4400-1100 to obtain funding to hire more workers.

Thanks to all of you who have helped us lobby for this endeavor.  I know I can continue to count on you for your support of this much needed funding.

In addition to our monthly Labor Management meetings at DTA, we have been meeting with the Dept of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

I want to thank all the Regional Vice Presidents:  Al Pierce, Boston; Mark Williams, Lawrence; Jamie Robitaille, Southeast; Kevin McKenna, Worcester; Joe Malone, Greater Boston; and Kirsten Myallaked, Springfield.

I want to thank all the Chapter Board Members:  Philip Wachsler, Secretary of Grievances; Cheri Antelo, Recording Secretary; Alvina Silva; Dawn McConnell; Michelle Hussey; Brett Mazur; Ethel Baker; Russell Michaud; Mike McDonough; Roberto Sinni; Duane Dudek; Maius Sakalinkskas; and James Boyle.  In addition, I want to thank all of the stewards for keeping up with the work related to contract enforcement and for being the backbone of our union.  Everyone works hard to maintain the presence of our union in the many workplaces across the Commonwealth.

Special thanks to Mark Williams, Regional VP from Lawrence for running the Union Hospitality Room at the DTA Conference and for chairing the Grievance Appeal Committee for the Union.  I would also like to thank Linda Johnson of DHCD for providing her expertise on homelessness.

I wish everyone safe and happy holidays and please a storm free winter would be nice!