Dear members,
We understand that there is a lot of fear and uncertainty as things continue to develop, especially as many CHL workers are already being forced to make difficult decisions about their futures and consider taking other jobs. We know people are exhausted, anxious, and trying to protect themselves and their families.
In this moment, it’s important that we don’t give up or lose sight of what’s at stake. Here’s what we know: BHN is willing to take our programs on and saying they will retain our workforce and recognize our contract. 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 continuity of care for our community.
Last Friday, UMass/CHL announced a reckless decision 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. This announcement comes on the heels of our refusal to give up our seniority and job security rights– rights that we fought hard for that are protected in our union contract. Despite UMass’ attempt to blame our union, this latest move has made one thing very clear: UMass/CHL could not care less about ensuring continuity of care for the clients we serve.
There is nothing standing in the way of UMass/CHL offering retention bonuses to staff just as they are doing for managers. We remain ready to negotiate in good faith and are willing to work out reasonable solutions to limit disruption, but we refuse to allow UMass/CHL to trample on our rights and play games when 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:
Luis Cantres Rivera
Kelly D’Angelo
Karen Daley
Kora Desplaines
Kelefa Diakite
Heidi Enola-Hinson
Marie Gagnon
Alyssa Harmon
David Higgins
Jo Kelly
Thomasina Levesque
Quanh Lieu
Helen Malone
Christina Mossey
Magdalene Njuguna
Karen Oberg
Becca Pacheco
Cindy Pernett
Julia Ramirez
James Tatum
Peter Wambugu
Margaret Wheeler
Tony Xatse
