Union Siblings,
Our bargaining committee has been hard at work since our last bargaining session on March 9. Although the Commonwealth has yet to respond to our proposals or propose anything of their own, we came prepared tonight and put the majority of our financial proposals across the table.
Ten members shared their personal stories, which added weight to key proposals like work schedules and technology breaks, bereavement leave, the need for increased vacation time to address burnout, reimbursements for travel and telework, COVID sick leave, and updating the grievance procedure to be more timely, efficient and effective.
Shout out to our amazing speakers for sharing their stories at negotiations!
Molly Foley-Bruscoe, DTA
Amy Meinert, DOR/CSE
Laurie Cyphers, DCF
Meg Dailey, CCJ
Joanna Laghetto, DESE
Charlene Delgado, DCF
Elizabeth Foster, DTA
Marianne Walles, DCF
Scott Rogers, IST
Katy Scammell, DCF
We know that to win the contract we deserve, we are going to have to show we are united and fight for the improvements that matter most to us. There are three actions we need everybody to take this week to keep the momentum going:
1. Sign the petition to Governor Healey
We’re calling on Governor Healey to intervene in negotiations to help secure fair wage increases for workers and allow our agencies to function at their best. Click here to sign the petition before we deliver it to the Governor!
Already signed? Recruit 3 coworkers to sign the petition by Friday!
2. Join your chapter’s Contract Action Team
Your Contract Action Team (CAT) is a network that allows us to reach our members quickly when we need to get the word out or get ready to escalate. Ready to lead your coworkers to victory? Sign up for your Contract Action Team now!
Already joined? Recruit a coworker and send them the link to sign up!
3. RSVP to an upcoming bargaining session
All members are welcome to attend bargaining sessions to see how the process works. Please note that members will be asked to participate as silent observers during the negotiation session. Plan to wear purple and invite your coworkers to come along! RSVP for a bargaining session now!
Monday, April 3
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location TBD based on capacity—please RSVP and we will follow up with you
Tuesday, April 11 (Evening Bargaining!)
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location TBD based on capacity—please RSVP and we will follow up with you
Can’t make it? Bookmark our contract campaign hub to keep track of more upcoming dates!
Although the Commonwealth’s team did not offer any responses to our proposals tonight, we will keep you updated as we continue negotiations in the coming weeks. Thank you for taking action!
In Solidarity,
Your SEIU 509 Public Sector Bargaining Committee
