Dear members,
It’s outrageous that we are facing any uncertainty about the future of our jobs. That there is any question at all about the full retention of our workforce and the continuity of the critical services we provide is just another example of how Umass continues to fail this community.
In this moment, it’s important that we don’t give up or lose sight of what’s at stake. Our objective remains ensuring continuity of care for our clients – and in order for this to happen, it’s imperative that the existing workforce be retained and that our union be recognized by any new provider taking over CHL. This gives us the opportunity to continue delivering the work we are so passionate about and to preserve the strength and experience of the workforce that our clients depend on. The more united we remain, the stronger our ability will be to protect jobs, defend our rights, and ensure the least amount of disruption in our community.
Last Friday, UMass recklessly announced that they would no longer offer a two-week incentive bonus to retain frontline workers who choose to remain throughout the transition of our programs– despite still offering three-week incentive bonuses to managers! They made this announcement right after union members filed a class action grievance after management decided to disregard our seniority & job security rights- rights we fought hard for that are protected in our union contract. This latest decision by Umass demonstrates just how little UMass cares about the retention of our skilled workforce throughout this transition.
The fact is that there is nothing standing in the way of UMass offering retention bonuses to union staff just as they are doing for managers and non-union staff.
We remain ready to negotiate in good faith and are willing to work out reasonable solutions to limit disruption. However, we refuse to allow management to trample on our rights and retaliate against us when we stand up for them, especially when critical services for our community are in jeopardy. As dedicated caregivers, we remain committed to centering the needs of those impacted by this upheaval as we continue to demand transparency, respect, and accountability from UMass.
In Solidarity,
Your union stewards
