Union siblings,
At this week’s bargaining session, we presented our Article 12 proposal. Currently, management has discretion regarding pay for new hires, leading to cases of inconsistencies, disparate treatment, and discrimination due to bias. Our proposal provides for a transparent, equitable, and consistent process for step placement/salary determinations. This also creates a process by which people who are currently employed can apply, have their past experience considered, and be placed on the salary scale consistent with their experience.
Earlier this week, Governor Healey announced 9C cuts to the state budget. While these cuts are not directly impacting our wages, we are extremely concerned that this will continue to chip away at the essential services we provide for communities across the Commonwealth. Our agencies cannot function without meaningful investments to address workplace safety issues and alleviate the staffing crisis we face daily due to high caseloads and turnover.
These additional budget cuts will ultimately harm the people in our communities who need these services the most. Meanwhile, the Healey administration’s earlier tax cuts to our state’s richest residents equal the amount they have just slashed from the budget for essential services.
Where does this leave us?
As human service workers, we will not stand for the state budget to be balanced at the expense of our families, our communities, and our agencies while we are asked to do more with even less. We will continue to advocate for a strong contract that addresses wages, workplace safety, staffing, and retention issues. It will be important for us to show up strong at the bargaining table and make our voices heard.
Stay tuned for information on upcoming bargaining sessions! Text CONTRACT to 787753 to make sure you’re receiving the latest action alerts, updates, and find out how you can get involved in fighting for the strong contract we deserve.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Chapter Advisor or connect with your Chapter President.
In Solidarity,
David Foley
SEIU 509 President