| UNION NEWS: December 22, 2011 |
| Welcome To New E-Board Member: Carmen Pagan
Carmen is a twenty-six year resident of the City of Chelsea, a bilingual (English-Spanish) health care professional and mother of three. Carmen was born in Lima, Peru. She completed her high school and graduated from nursing school in Peru. She has twenty-three years of service as a staff professional with the Chelsea Soldiers Home. She currently works in the Chelsea Soldier’s Home Adjutant’s Department and is married to Samuel Pagan, a retired employee of the Chelsea Soldier’s Home. |
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| For over three years, Carmen has served as a SEIU 888 Chief Steward at the Soldiers Home assisting her co-workers in achieving their employment and labor goals and objectives.
In November 2011, Carmen made her first bid for City Councilor At-Large in Chelsea. Though she lost by just a few hundred votes, she plans on running again in 2013. |
| Welcome to New Regional Rep: Steve D’Amico
Local 888 is happy to announce the addition of a third Southeast Regional Representative position! Steve D’Amico is the newest addition to the Local 888 internal organizing staff. He will be working with some units previously assigned to Joan Pritchard and Bill Storella. |
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| Steve comes to us with many years of experience, including as a community organizer and Massachusetts State Representative. Welcome, Steve! |
| SEIU 888 Members Help Springfield Crossing Guards Organize A Union!
Springfield Crossing Guards are forming their own union and SEIU 888 Member Organizers Germaine Murcheson and Scott Burns are helping them get the job done. |
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| Above: SEIU 888 City of Holyoke member Scott Burns with Springfield Crossing Guard Mary Johnson. |
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| Above: SEIU 888 Springfield Bus Monitor Chapter Chair Germaine Murcheson and Springfield Crossing Guard Helen Brown. |
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| Above: Springfield Crossing Guards held an organizing meeting earlier this month to plan their fight to win dignity and respect for the work they do protecting Springfield’s children. While all of their unionized co-workers in the schools have seen regular wage increases, the Crossing Guards have not had an increase to their base rate in many years. |
| CHAPTER NEWS: |
| Winchester DPW
As Joe Datillo enjoys his 6 week long vacation to his native home of Italy for the holidays and the new year, we would like to continue to wish him well on his retirement. Joe has worked at the Winchester DPW for 27 years and has been an avid steward and bargaining team member for many years. His expertise and knowledge at the negotiating table has energized and inspired numerous members to get involved with their union. Thank you Joe for your diligence and support of labor and all it represents. |
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| Boston Centers for Youth and Families
Local 888 members from the Boston Center for Youth and Families held their annual holiday party at the Union Hall on Friday night on December 9, 2011. It was a good time for all as the members from many of Boston’s Community Center gathered to celebrate the holiday season!!! |
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| Watertown Town Hall
On Thursday December 1st, the Watertown Town Hall Chapter celebrated the season with a holiday party! It was a great chance for all members from the Town Hall and all of the Departments to get together to chat and talk about the current contract negotiations. We wish them the best as they continue to Negotiate!!!! |
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| Quincy Housing Authority
The Quincy Housing Authority has recently commenced negotiations. The Bargaining team is comprised of Mary Gethin, Kathleen Porrazzo and Janice Radzik. The Unit has submitted their proposals and are awaiting the housing authorities response. |
| Haverhill Schools
Haverhill Members turned out to celebrate Roscoe Jenkins’ 31 years of service to the Haverhill community and our union. Roscoe will be retiring on January 23rd. In addition to his work as a chief custodian and activism as an SEIU 888 member, Roscoe served as an assistant coach at the high school and coached youth hockey programs in Haverhill. He is a graduate of Haverhill Trade School and is a welder by training. |
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| Above: SEIU 888 E-Board Member Fred Simmons (left) looks on as Asst Dir of Internal Organizing Gary Smith (right) presents Roscoe (center) with a plaque commemorating his years of service. |
| Woburn Schools
The Woburn Cafeteria Workers voted 28-2 on December 7 to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement for July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2014. The contract provides for raises of 1%, 1.5% and 2% starting in January 2012, an increase in sick leave buyback, and numerous improvements and clarifications of language. Most significantly, under the leadership of Chapter President Bettyanne Cassidy, the team fought for and won the elimination of a third salary tier. In addition to Bettyanne, team members were Maria Carreiro, Maria Day, and Ginger Swymer. The team worked long and hard for their members, spending summer vacation hours developing contract proposals and after work hours in negotiating sessions. Congratulations to the team and Woburn Cafeteria members! |
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| Fitchburg Schools
Fitchburg School Cafeteria: After a long fought battle dating back to 2009, the cafeteria workers in Fitchburg ratified a new contract 27- 3. The contract saw some retroactivity, with modest pay increases. The group has come closer together as result of this struggle and look forward to negotiations starting in January of 2012. |
| Groton/Dunstable Schools
With the struggle against the ever changing demands for health care, the Groton/Dunstable Cafeteria and Maintenance Chapter have been taking an active role in a new coalition of all the school system’s unions. All of the unions have been working together to beat back demands from the School Committee and look forward to working together. |
| Framingham
The newest Unit in the Central Region recently embarked on their first contract negotiations and are quickly becoming a great addition to the other Chapters in the town. |
| Marlborough
The City Council voted to pass the Marlborough Foremen’s collective bargaining agreement and the unit held officer elections. Congratulations to President Michael Urato, Vice President Mike Brecken and Secretary Tony Dutchka! |
| Amherst
Town of Amherst members voted 31 – 2 to ratify their new contract that contains 2% COLA on January 1 and a second 2% increase on July 1. The members will be holding a new officer election soon as SEIU 888 Recording Secretary Tina Swift has announced she is stepping down from her role as Chapter Chair. |
December, 2011: SEIU Local 888 Progress Report 
by Bruce T. Boccardy, President Since our administration began in June 2009, we can count numerous victories as well as issues not yet successful. The following list enumerates our progress: 1. We have stabilized the 8 regional representatives by defining their work responsibilities and assigning them to the 4 regions that I created when we began our project. We are designing a plan to hire 2 more regional representatives as finances improve. We hired an assistant internal organizing director to assist the internal organizing director. They assist the regional representatives. In effect, we have 10 people representing our members across the state. 2. Accountability is our main priority for senior staff, representative staff, organizing staff and office staff. I and others on our senior staff regularly visit chapters across the state to ensure that accountability. Our margin of error is miniscule. We have trained the regional representatives to be cognizant of what is expected of them in these difficult times for all working people. They have responded well. A successful union is founded on the basics. The regional representatives are the foundation of the local. They are expected to be proficient in grievances, contract negotiations, internal organizing and when appropriate, facilitating political power. 3. The wave of de-certifications from chapters who were abandoned or marginalized by the previous administration has ceased. Some chapters have returned. Others are considering returning as they have experienced the harsh reality of management retaliation, a profound lack of political power and deficient resources to retain superior legal assistance. Also, we are forcefully campaigning against any independent party who attempts to raid us. 4. We have been successful in numerous grievances and contracts across the state as our aggressive policies have manifested our new perspective. Since our administration began we have won 24 grievances and lost 6. One of the losses was a grievance that proceeded to arbitration after approval by the Appeals Committee. However, this contravened the advice of our legal department that determined the case had little merit. We are not hiring a legal director. We concluded that retaining our outside firm with an office conduit provides excellent legal representation and is cost effective. 5. The contracts debacle that we were left with is being addressed. We have transitioned permanent contract assignments for each regional representative in their designated region. We are developing members to take the lead in bargaining their contracts which increases member power. We are creating regional contract templates to merge contracts to strengthen our chapters’ power at the bargaining table. 207 contracts is an unreasonable number for the regional representatives to devote the required attention to each contract. Merging contracts will mitigate the work load of the representatives and allow them to concentrate on providing more assistance to each chapter. 6. We have an electronic newsletter, “The Spark.” Thus far, it is emailed out to 5,800 of our approximately 10,000 members as well to the 200 non-members contact list comprised of other union representatives, municipal and state representatives and legislators, community/religious activists, educators, and journalists. We have not been as successful with distributing the paper edition; we are working on that component of our education project. We list our victories and defeats for our members to review. 7. We have created an informative and educational web site that lists all chapter events, trainings, and political events. Chapter offices and contracts are listed as well as contracts as they are settled. It is important that our 212 chapters realize that they are part of a larger entity. We have not updated the information for all of the chapters listed on our website. This will be completed soon. 8. We have established alliances with every public sector unions in Boston, as well as other private sector unions across the Commonwealth. They have assisted us on occasion and we return the favor when it is beneficial to our mutual members. 9. We are now a welcome and active member of the Massachusetts SEIU State Council which represents approximately 75, 000 members and their families across the state. 10. We repaired the previously toxic relationships with numerous city and town managers, and mayors across the state. Additionally, we have saved members’ jobs through these contacts or at least ensure that members receive the best possible remedies. 11. We created our signature COPA Political Forum, which empowers our members to determine which candidates support issues affecting all working people in the state. A scaled down version of the Forum is the COPA Pocket Political Forum. This Forum is comprised of member representatives who will interview candidates much the same way as the COPA Political Forum. Since we do not have the capacity to transfer our COPA Political Forum paradigm to every election in the state, the Pocket Forum will allow our members to have a voice in elections that they would otherwise have none as an organized entity. The members who attend both Forums directly vote for whom the local will endorse or recommend. 12. We upgraded the financial system to ensure that vendor checks or member stipends are sent in a timely manner. 13. We designed regular financial reports that are sent to chapter leaders. 14. We paid previously incurred debts. 15. We relocated to a new facility which saved our members financial resources. It is contributing to a new union culture that continues to be member determined. 16. We opened a branch office in 888 West in conjunction with SEIU Local 509 thus establishing a presence virtually non-existent in that part of the state. 17. We opened a branch office at the Teamsters Local 170 Health and Welfare Fund building for 888 Central. 18. We plan to open our final branch office at the Cape for our 888 Southwest members. 19. We are establishing a Processes Manual which will clarify all of our operations including grievances, steward training, media, and politics. 20. We established various committees staffed with members: Appeals, Hiring, Trials, and Dues Equality. 21. We are increasing our density in a number of municipalities. Our exceptionally adroit organizing staff is the key to this component of our project. Moreover, we are working to trade or present chapters to other unions that will be in the best interests of the members. These arrangements are contingent on a vote by the members. 22. We proceed to arbitrations with grievances that do not necessarily involve financial remedies. Workplace dignity is taken very seriously by our administration. We utilize our in-house legal expertise with these cases to save the local resources and still offer the members effective representation for issues that are important to them of a non-financial nature. 23. We clarified and encouraged the executive board in its responsibilities to the members. |
| Happy Holidays from the Officers and Staff of SEIU Local 888! |
| Union News: November 22, 2011 |
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| Evergreen Rights:
The legislature passed an “evergreen rights” bill last week restoring public workers right to extend the terms of our collective bargaining agreements while new agreements are negotiated. Governor Patrick signed the Evergreen Bill into law Monday morning in the State House.
President Boccardy joined several other union leaders and a few state legislators at the State House to witness the Governor sign the Evergreen Bill. |
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| State Worker Pensions:
A House-Senate conference committee completed negotiations earlier this week to produce joint pension legislation that will be sent to both houses of the legislature for an up or down. The measure is expected to pass and to be signed by Governor Patrick. The bill will increase the retirement eligibility age for new workers from 55 to 60, and contains “anti-spiking” measures for current workers including a provision that prevents the allowable annual earnings from increasing more than 7% unless it is the result of a “legitimate” promotion. The bill will also increase the COLA base from $12,000 $13,000 (or about $2.50 a week for retirees). |
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| November 17th March for Jobs, Not Cuts:
Some 3,000 community and union members turned out in the cold rain to demand that politicians act now to create jobs not to cut services like education, Medicare and Medicaid. |
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| The march began at Dewey Square, the home of the Boston Occupy movement, and travelled through the city to the Charlestown Bridge. Police refused to let the peaceful marchers onto the bridge for fear that it might collapse under their weight. The bridge is held up by rivets dating back to before the 1930’s, and is one of more than 500 bridges in the Commonwealth that has been determined to be structurally deficient.
At the foot of the bridge participants heard from union construction trade workers about the problems with the bridge and the need to create jobs by investing in America’s infrastructure. The Boston march was held in conjunction with rallies that took place across in hundreds of cities across the nation calling for the creation of jobs and more just economic system. |
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| November Elections:
Our union played a critical role in several of the recently held municipal elections. Boston City Council: Four out of six endorsed candidates for City Council won their election campaigns. At-Large candidates Felix Arroyo, Ayanna Pressely and John Connolly and District 7 candidate Tito Jackson. Marlborough Mayor’s Race: 888 members rallied behind mayoral candidate Matt Jones to boost him to within 42 votes of the winning candidate Arthur Vigeant. Vigeant has indicated his support for privatizing city services. it was especially the support and work of the 888 brother-sister team of Mike Urato and Anne Coleman that helped lead the charge. Though Matt Jones lost by 42 votes, it was an election that was filled with enthusiasm and hope. Haverhill City Council: The support of our union and its members helped SEIU 888 E-Board Member Fred Simmons win 1,742 votes; nearly double his 2009 vote total. Although he did not win this time around, Fred ran a spirited and classy campaign. He now looks forward to organizing our next regional meeting in Haverhill and seeing the growth of new members to our local. |
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| Above left: President Boccardy and Fred. Above right: Haverhill School Custodians do a “stand out” for Fred | |
| Chelsea City Council: With the help of our union and members, SEIU 888 member and Chapter leader from the Chelsea Soldiers Home, Carmen Pagan ran in her first election for the Chelsea City Council and won the fifth highest votes. However, that was not enough to put her over the top.
Despite her loss, Carmen showed superb character on election night when she encouraged all her loyal and hard working friends/volunteers that her run this year was about building momentum for her next attempt. And she mentioned that she is especially proud of the work that her union, Local 888, had committed to her campaign. Carmen also stressed that she would like to dedicate her time and effort to helping build a COPA team with the members in Chelsea. |
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| Above: President Boccardy at the polls with Carmen Pagan and her supporters | |
| SEIU Local 888 President Boccardy welcomes the newest member of the Executive Board, Carolyn Carey.
Carolyn has fairly recently become an 888 member; her chapter, the Town of Harwich professional and supervisory unit, decided they needed a union and joined 888 a few years ago. She runs the Harwich Community Center, and is the only Executive Board member from the Cape! |
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SEIU Local 888 President Boccardy welcomes our newest Director of External Organizing Rand Wilson.
Rand has worked as a union organizer and labor communicator in the United States since the 1980s. He started in the labor movement as a member of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union (OCAW). While a member of Local 8-366, Rand led several organizing drives, was chief steward, and served on his local union’s executive board. Since then Rand has worked the CWA, Teamsters, SEIU Local 285, AFL-CIO, Jobs with Justice among others, and most recently with CWA and IBEW to help Verizon and other telecom workers build on-the-job unity.He has also written and lectured widely about contract campaigns, strikes, health care reform, and strategies to build workers’ political power. |
| Quick Facts on Corporate Taxes, CEO Pay and More | |
| Corporate Taxes:
The Government Accounting Office reports that “two out of every three United States corporations paid no federal income taxes from 1998 through 2005.”
Banks Burning Money: 50 trillion dollars in global wealth was erased by the Wall Street engineered financial crisis. This includes $7 trillion dollars in US stock market wealth which has vanished, and $6 trillion dollars in housing wealth that has been destroyed. CEO’s Rake it In:
2010: Total Compensation of Wall Street Corporations Rose 5.7% 2010: Median US Household Income Fell 2.3% The Rich Get Ever RIcher: Between 2003 – 2007 the top 1% hoarded over 65% of all US economic growth. |
 Source: Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy |
| Union Events: | |
| Take Back the Capitol: December 5
Join thousands of 99%-ers who are coming to Washington, DC December 5-9 to take back the Capitol from corporate control. December is a big month in Washington. Congress is set to deliberate the extension of unemployment benefits for more than 2 million people – and the Super-Committee is discussing devastating cuts that could destroy millions of jobs. We can have a real impact! It’s time for the 99% to be a visible, peaceful presence on Capitol Hill. By day we’ll show up at Congressional hearings and the offices of K Street lobbyists, and by night we’ll crash in church auditoriums, union halls, and in tents around the Capitol. It’s not a luxury trip, but meals, housing and transportation will be provided. Our goal: to remind Congress they represent ALL Americans – not just the richest 1%! Free buses are available! For more information: http://massuniting.org/tbtc/ |
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| Chapter News: | |
| Somerville Crossing Guards win first contract!
The Somerville Crossing Gaurds have reached an agreement with the City of Somerville for their first contract since being organized. They are receiving a 2% percent raisie in each of the 3 years. They have not received a years in over five years. Their contract also includes, seniority rights, recall rights, just cause language and a much need grievance and arbitration proceedure. They voted 13 – 1 to ratify the contract on Friday, November 18. |
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| City of Boston:
Contract negotiations are continuing. There has been little to no movement on economic topics such as wages and pay grades. |
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| President Boccardy with staff and members at the Greater Boston Labor Council
Left to RIght: Eldin Villafane, Filaine Deronnette, Jorge Vargas, Lisa Santio, President Boccardy, Rachel Idowu, Domingo DaRosa, Lorna Pleas and Antonio Nunes. |
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| Town of Plymouth:
After being deluged with calls from union members and supporters, the Plymouth Board of Selectmen cancelled a plan vote to change workers health insurance to the GIC. SEIU E-Board Member Lyn Scolamiero wrote the following note to thank the members of her chapter for taking action: “I want to thank you all for your diligence in calling the Selectmen. They were overwhelmed by phone calls from not only our union, but all of the union members in the town. In times like these and in cases such as Health Insurance we must all unite together no matter what union we are in because this will affect active employees and retirees. This will come up again – but for now unity has worked in our favor.” – Lyn Scolamiero |
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| Town of Amherst:
The Town of Amherst Employees SEIU 888 is a bargaining unit which consists of 57 employees scattered throughout five buildings. While the Jones Library is not owned by the Town of Amherst, the employees are all Town employees. We, in Amherst, are fortunate to have a fairly large Chapter Fund left over from the days when we were affiliated with NAGE. This year, our officers and stewards decided to give back to a community that is outwardly rich, but some times down on its luck. With that in mind, and without a negotiated contract, the Town of Amherst Employees SEIU 888 has made these donations: $88.00 to the Amherst Senior Center Thanksgiving Dinner. Every year for over 23 years, Nancy Pagano (Sr. Center Director) has marshaled an army of volunteers who have fed from 30 to 60 hungry people. All who have come have been served. For the past five years, Tina Swift (Pres. SEIU 888, Amherst) has been The Gravy Queen, a title she takes very seriously. She has created a full stock pot of gravy that takes two people to lift (to put into crock pots). $88.00 to Craig’s Door. This is the first year as Craig’s Door, but this is the Amherst Homeless Shelter (in operation beginning November 1) hosted by the Faith Baptist Church. It was opened to prevent homeless people from freezing overnight and to give them a hot meal. Many of these people have problems and some sleep outside. Craig was a gentle giant, and a veteran, who passed away in his sleep last year (inside a church annex during the day) and his wish had been to have ‘a door of my own.’ Those of us who came in contact with Craig will always miss him, and we hope to make things a little better for an underserved population. $888.00 to the Amherst Survival Center. While it is true that Amherst is a very wealthy and educated community, Amherst also has almost 12% of people at the poverty level (see: housing statistics). The Survival Center not only provides a hot lunch, but also groceries, clothes, and a place to go for many people. One woman, whose husband had just left, had no winter jackets for her two sons — and she didn’t have a job yet. The Survival Center helped her get on her feet. Our members will not go without this year. While we are still being offered a ZERO per cent COLA, the officers and stewards have agreed to giving our members a Thanksgiving and New Year’s “turkey.” This turkey is in the form of a gift card to Stop and Shop because Tina Swift cannot carry that many turkeys (and the vegetarians protest!). Having begun the procedure for getting that many gift cards two weeks ago, we are still confident that Stop and Shop (a union shop) can get it into overdrive and get it done! We, of Town of Amherst SEIU 888, wish all of you who are reading this a safe and productive holiday season. Now, more than ever, we must stand together for truth, justice, and the American way. And part of the American way is to help our neighbors and friends. – Tina Swift, SEIU 888 Recording Secretary and Amherst Chapter Chair |
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| Watertown Schools:
Congratulations to the new officers of the Watertown School Clerical Chapter!! Chapter elections were held on October 20th. New officers are the following: Chapter Chair – Nick Pappas Co-Chapter Chair – Brad Harvey Treasurer - Jennifer Atwood Their terms are for two years effective November 1, 2011. Congratulations and we look forward to future wins for this chapter!!! |
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| Marlborough:
The Para Professional Chapter after 2 years of strenuous negotiations has reached a Tentative Agreement on a 3 year contract. 2009 0%, 2010 2%, 2011 1.5% for the first 6 months, 1.5% for the last six months. The committee fought for equity with other school units and were able to achieve it as well as a $25.00/hr interrupters pay rate for interpreting over 15 consecutive minutes. The group will be taking it forward to the membership November 15th for ratification. |
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| Southborough:
The Town Clerical Chapter recently assisted in the SFC Micheal Dufalt Holiday Package Drive for our troops overseas. Several of the members set up a collection box at the Town Hall and Library. On completion the members brought the much supplies to the Local staging area and assisted in boxing the much them up for our troops. The group hopes to expand the reach if needed in the next drive to all the chapters in the Central Region. |
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| Westborough:
The Town Clerical Chapter won a grievance for a members who had been terminated. The Arbitration covered three separate disciplinary matters, the last being termination. The Arbitrator gave the 24 year member a resounding victory by expunging all disciplinary matters stating that the Town had not met the standard of just cause in any of the disciplinary charges |
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| State Lottery Commission:
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| Malden:
On October 15, the Malden Public School Custodians voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement for July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012. The contract provides for a 2% raise on January 1 and higher payments for foul weather gear and the uniform allowance. Thanks to bargaining team members Joe Barry, Paul Cutone, and Artie McDermott for their efforts during negotiations. The Custodians will be back at the bargaining table in January to begin work on a successor agreement. Several members of Local 888 attended the lively Malden Mayoral Forum on October 13 at the Malden Senior Community Center. School Custodians Paul and Rich Cutone were present, as well as Joan Federico, Ellie Feldstein, and Angela Cronin from the Malden School Administrative Assistants. Opposing candidates Gary Christensen and Deb Falco presented arguments for their candidacies and answered questions from panels of community members and journalists. |
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| Blue Hills Schools:
The Blue Hills Regional School Cafeteria workers bargaining team reached a tentative agreement for July1, 2011 – June 30, 2014 with the District School Committee on 9/26/11 . The agreement includes raises of 2% in the first year, 1% in the second year and a wage re-opener in the third year as well as increases in longevity payments. Thanks to dedicated team leader Kathy Manning and bargaining team members Hannah Kandler and Nancy Estabrook. |
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| Lawrence DTD:
Lawrence DTD members have been negotiating a contract that expired on June 2009. Negotiations were at a stand still for many months due to the City of Lawrence’s financial troubles. After two years of negotiations on November 4,2011 the members voted and unanimously voted to accept a two year agreement in which they received a $400 one time bonus if they are enrolled in the city’s health insurance. They also voted on a three year agreement in which they will be receiving a 3% wage increase as of July 1,2011, along with a significant amount of contract language changes that will be making the contract much stronger. The members of the negotiation team were Barbara Begin, Marcos Ruiz, Cardell Burgie and Georgette Moysenko, their dedication and perseverance was instrumental to the accomplishment of the contract. |
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| Southeast Roundup by Joan Pritchard
Cape Cod Cookout
Special thanks to those who attended the Cape Cod Cookout in September! The weather held out this year and we had a great time! And to the Local’s Executive Board members, Dave Reno, Mike Kelly, Mark Della Russo, Lyn Scolamiero and Carolyn Carey, who traveled far and wide or around the corner, thanks for your support! (Above: As always the members line up to enjoy Carlos’ cooking! Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and all the fixens! Left to right members: Rhonda LaFrance, Linda Cipro, Paula Champagne.) |
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Peggy Fitzgibbins from Plymouth Town Clerical enjoyed with Cape Cod Cookout with her family! |
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| Town of Carver Employees
Congratulations to the Town of Carver Employees who ratified a contract in this tough economy! Two additional steps on the wage scale allowed maxed-out employees, some more than twenty years, to receive a 2% step, an extra week vacation for FY12 and FY13 for all members, and an increase in the number of members by decreasing the hours required to be an SEIU member were just a few of their accomplishments. What a great job this bargaining team did! |
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| Town of Sandwich Secretaries and Clerks
Shout out to Susan Lundquist on her permanent appointment to Assistant Town Clerk in the Town of Sandwich: Congratulations! |
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| Cape Cod Municipal Health Group
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ve discovered in my travels on the Cape that not all union officers were told of the meetings, voting and changes in the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group. If you were not made aware of these meetings, contact either your Town HR representative or the CCMHG for more information. Every union should have a representative present at these meetings to vote and bring information back to the chapters! Consider these changes in your negotiations! |
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President Boccardy attends a meeting with State Treasurer Steve Grossman and retired members at the Lottery Commission in Braintree,
Union News October 5, 2011
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| Bank of America Rally
Thousands turned out to march on the Bank of America last Friday and 24 non-violent protesters were arrested at the bank including SEIU 888 President Bruce T. Boccardy and Executive Director Patrick McCabe. Not only did Bank of America play an egregious role in the Wall Street’s financial collapse and is continuing to force thousands Massachusetts’ residents from their homes, but Bank of America has also led the charge against public workers in Massachusetts though the corporate front group “Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.” Funny thing about this foundation is that the majority of its corporate backers paid no taxes at all last year. Maybe they should change their name to the Massachusetts Taxdodgers Foundation. |
SEIU 888 Executive Director Patrick McCabe being led away by police after his arrest at the Bank of America |
| Pension Reform
Last week the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation which would create a two tier pension system for state workers. The legislation contained relatively minor changes for existing workers including the elimination of Section 10 retirements and increase in the COLA base from $12,000 to $13,000 (or approximately $2.50 a week). However, new state workers would see significant cuts including increasing the age of retirement eligibility and reduced benefits. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts already pays far less than private employers for workers’ retirement security. By exempting itself from Social Security the state contributes only 2.6% of payroll towards worker’s pensions. The remainder of our pensions are paid out of our own pockets. On the other hand, private sector employers are required to contribute 6.2% into Social Security. Moreover many private sector employers offer matching contributions towards their workers’ 401(k) and other retirement programs. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center estimates that “If the state were to abolish the pension system entirely for new employees and thus be required to participate in Social Security, costs would subsequently increase by about 3 percent of payroll, more than double what it pays now.” http://www.massbudget.org However, the money saved by these “reforms” would not be used to shore up the pension system, but instead would go into the General Fund. The Senate’s pension reform bill is now being considered by the House. Our union has set up a web page that members can use to email our representatives to ask them to oppose the Senate bill. Members can click here to send the email. It only takes a minute. (Please do not use your work computer to email your representative.) To find out more click here. |
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SEIU Local 888 President Bruce Boccardy and SEIU International Vice President Eliseo Medina visiting the statehouse. |
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| Evergreen Language
Last year the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that “evergreen” clauses contained in collective bargaining agreements were illegal under state law. Until the court’s ruling, “evergreen” clauses had been used public sector unions and employers to keep contracts in effect after their expiration dates to maintain labor peace. In late August Governor Patrick submitted a bill to the legislature to restore Evergreen rights for public workers. A hearing has been scheduled on the Governor’s Evergreen legislation (HB 1654/SB 1404, “An Act to clarify terms of collective bargaining agreements”. The hearing will be held by the Joint Committee on Public Service on October 4th at 1PM in Room A-2 in the statehouse. Contact Eldin Villafane for more information by email at evillafane@seiu888.org or by phone 617.241.3302. |
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| Disaster Relief for Western Mass Residents
The Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO has extended its tornado relief fund to victims of Hurricane Irene. Originally created to help those who suffered losses due to this summer’s tornado, grants from the relief fund are now available to union families who have been hurt by any of the natural disasters to hit Western Mass this year including the tornadoes, the earthquake and Hurricane Irene. If you or someone you know has suffered from any of these disasters you can download the grant form by clicking here. |
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| Dues Equality
The SEIU Local 888 Executive Board unanimously approved a plan to equalize our union’s dues structure while lowering the minimum dues rate for low income members. The plan will be put to a union-wide mail ballot vote on January 2, 2012. More information on the proposed dues structure will be coming soon. |
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| SEIU 888 Regional Rep Mike Foster Teaching at the Labor Guild:
This Fall, Regional Representative Mike Foster will be teaching a class “The Steward’s Job” at the Labor Guild in Weymouth! The classes runs September 12th to November 14th, 2011, and are held Monday evenings. The Labor Guild is a well-respected organization that promotes healthy labor management relations. Classes are from 7-9:30pm and it is $100 per term, which includes 1 or 2 classes each evening at the student’s option. Scholarships may be available through 888 or utilization of your chapter funds, please speak with your regional representative about this if you are interested. Check out the Labor Guild at www.laborguild.com. |
Regional Rep Mike Foster and SEIU Local 888 President Bruce T. Boccardy |
| Massachusetts Collective Bargaining License Plates Are Now Available | |
| Show your solidarity! The plate features an image of a raised clenched hand, a symbol of strength and unity. Along the bottom of the plate in blue is the word Solidarity. The letters C B in red stand for collective bargaining. Proceeds from this special plate fee goes toward the education and training of organized and unorganized labor individuals and groups to preserve their right to collectively bargain for fair wages, healthcare and retirement. For more information and to order your plate click here. |  |
| Union Hiring an Additional Regional Rep
SEIU Local 888 is pleased to announce we will be adding another Regional Representative to our staff! Interviews are being held in early September and we hope to have the successful candidate start by the end of September. This Regional Rep will be added to the Southeast region, to aid in reducing the overwhelming workload that Joan Pritchard (Rep for South Shore and Cape) and Bill Storella (Rep for Boston/south of Boston/Rt.24 corridor) have been carrying. |
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| Rebuild America: Revolution Radio 1510 AM:
The only radio program in the country that brings together entrepreneurs, union representatives, environmentalists, top politicians and leaders of business and industry to talk about real Blue/Green solutions to job creation and moving America forward to compete on a world-wide scale, with full employment and good jobs at good wages. Co–‐hosted by radio personality Jeff Santos and a regular cast of luminaries, Rebuild America will be hitting the airwaves on AM 1510 Revolution Boston in October 2011. Rebuild America motivates listeners to engage in the political process by giving them a chance to speak directly with contributors to the program including former Governors Michael Dukakis and Ed Rendell, Steelworkers President Leo Gerard, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Executive Director of the Alliance for American Manufacturing Scott Paul, U.S. Rep Tim Ryan, U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer, and advocates from groups such as Greenpeace and the Sierra Club. |
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Verizon Update
45,000 Verizon workers up and down the east coast are fighting for a fair contract. They are working to keep up the pressure by leafletting verizon stores and other events. If you want to get involved in a leafeting action or for more information click here. Also you can send a message of solidarity to verzion workers by clicking here. On left: SEIU 888 Organizer Christina Villafranca and SEIU 888 Organizing Director David DiMaria leafleting a Verizon store |
| Chapter News: | |
| SEIU 888 Massachusetts workers
The Unit 2 Alliance Memorandum of Agreement with the Commonwealth was approved by a total vote of 1686 “yes” to 52 “no”. The memorandum extends the current contract for two additional years with 3% wage increases in each. For a copy of the Unit 2 agreement click here. SEIU 888 members at the Lottery Commission signed a similar agreement. For a copy of the Lottery agreement click here.
SEIU Local 888 President Bruce T. Boccardy meeting with State Treasurer Steven Grossman (right) and Executive Director of the Lottery Paul Sternburg (right). |
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| SEIU 888 members at UMass Lowell however have not reached an agreement. During the last round of negotiations the University insisted on different language than any other state units. The agreement with the University carved out loopholes on the revenue targets. As result UMass refused to even begin negotiating until October 1st when the final revenue numbers became available. It appears that because of the loopholes the revenue targets were not met.
SEIU Local 888 President Bruce T. Boccary speaking to members at UMass Lowell |
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| Malden schools
Malden school clerical workers tentatively agreed to a one year contract that adds two steps (8 & 9) to their salary scale at a 4% increase per step. Step 8 is retroactive to July 1, 2011 and step 9 takes effect June 30, 2012. In return, our members agreed to higher health care deductibles and co-pays and changing to a “wellness” program in their health care plan. |
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| Woburn
On August 4, 2011, Woburn Public Works, Cemetery and Parks Department Employees voted 31- 4 to ratify a three year contract for July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2014. The agreement provides for a 5 % raise over three years and the city’s health insurance plan. Thanks to hard-working bargaining team members Jon Sutherby, Chapter Chairperson; Bobby Fucarile; Patrick Scanlon; and Danny Waisnor and congratulations! The Woburn City Hall Union is holding a contract ratification vote on August 15. The bargaining team reached a three year agreement with the city of Woburn for July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2014 which includes a 5% raise over the life of the contract. Bargaining team members Carol Nagle, Chapter Chairperson; Andrea DiMambro; Gail Swymer; and Maureen Ward deserve recognition for their dedication and persistence on behalf of their members. |
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| Southbridge
Richard Gorgone, a SEIU 888 member at the Southbridge DPW was a victim of Hurricane Irene and was electrocuted at his home when leaving for work to help with the clean up. He grabbed his porch railing not knowing that a power line had fallen power line had electrified it. We wish condolences to his loving family and to all whose lives he touched. Richard Gorgone |
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| Suffolk and Worcester North Registries of Deeds
Suffolk and Worcester North Registries of Deeds ratified an MOA which will give them a total of 9% over the next 3 years. |
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| Boston Water and Sewer Commission
On Friday, June 24th the members of Boston Water and Sewer held elections for a new bargaining team. Congratulations to Arlene Jenkins, Tess Clark, Marcia O’Brien, Diane Cordova and Chapter Chair Charlotte Killam. We are excited to have them on board for negotiations!! On a sadder note, a memorial service was held for Boston Water and Sewer Commission member, Tess Clark, on Monday, September 19th . Tess collapsed in the restroom at the Commission last Tuesday where she was found. She was on life support at Boston Medical Center until Friday morning where she finally passed on. She leaves behind two daughters, who are 10 and 18 years of age, who are nowbeing cared for by her mother, Ms. WIllie Pearl Clark. |
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| Boston University
The bargaining team at Boston University met on July 12th for preliminary discussions regarding negotiations. Surveys are out so please submit to a member of the bargaining team. Bargaining team members are Donald Altschiller, Ann Seskin, and J. Christina Smith. |
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| Southeast Region Round Up By Regional Rep Joan Pritchard:
Town of Brewster After what seemed like an eternity, I want to congratulate the team at Brewster DPW, Water and Golf who worked hard to upgrade seven positions in their Chapter. I want to personally thank Jim Jones, John Ross, Dana Kew, Dave Gage, Steve Connor and John Green for their unstoppable dedication to this project! Great job! Brewster School Custodians Congratulations to Rich Hatfield who negotiated a wage increase of 0/2/2 for a three-year contract for the Brewster School Custodians! Not to frown, that may have been a zero the first year but a stipend, an increase in clothing allowance, layoff/bumping language, labor management committee language and education funds make it a very worthy three-year contract. Thanks for your time and dedication Rich! Town of Dennis Congratulations to the Negotiating Team for the Town of Dennis Unit A and Unit B Chapter who stood strong against management and negotiated a two-year contract. Along with the COLA of 1% July 1st and 1% January 1st in both FY 12 and FY 13, the team worked hard to upgrade positions and increase longevity, vacation time and the sick leave max. The Sick Leave Bank was improved to allow for requests for time to care for a sickness or injured family member too. Again, congratulations for hanging in there! Town of Norwell The Negotiating Team for the Town of Norwell Employees stood against management and ratified a two-year contract, 2% for both FY11 and FY12! Great job Team! Along with these COLA’s they addressed the age-old question of “what do I get for not taking the benefit of health insurance?” An annual stipend of $2,400.00 for all SEIU members who opt out of the health insurance to the base salary may not seem like a lot, but it can be first step one towards fair compensation for foregoing this benefit in future contracts. Importantly the Negotiating Team addressed one issue that I believe every contract should have: Layoff/Reduction in Force/Bumping language. The team also worked hard to get a twenty-four month recall with full credit of sick time the first twelve months, as well as well as vacation and longevity and retaining their original seniority date the full twenty-four months. This was a huge accomplishment for them! Nauset School Custodians Congratulations to the Nauset Regional School Negotiating Team, Richard, Nancy, Tony and Tim, who also negotiated a wage increase of 0/2/2 for a three-year contract with a stipend year one, an increase in clothing allowance, layoff/bumping language, labor management committee language and education funds make it a very worthy three-year contract! Congratulations also to Josh Avery who graduated from Cape Cod Community College with a degree in Graphic Design. Way to go Josh! Mashpee School Custodians Congratulations to Jim Corcoran, Chapter Chair with the Mashpee School Custodians who, with the assistance of union counsel, recently went head to head with management in an Arbitration regarding “past practice” and triumphed! According to the arbitrator: “Where contract language is ambiguous, arbitrators rely on evidence of bargaining history and past practice to clarify the mutual intent of the parties. No evidence of bargaining history was introduced, but there was undisputed testimony and exhibits of past practice. Since such evidence is used to give meaning to existing language, not alter or add to it, there is no requirement that the practice must be reduced to writing and executed by the parties. To be binding, a practice must be unequivocal, mutually recognized, and consistently applied over a reasonable period of time.” The moral of this story is: Don’t let management take away things that, although not in the contract, have been done in the past and be prepared to fight if necessary. Protect your members. Layoff/Reduction in Force/Bumping language needs to be in every contract. Seniority should be within the bargaining unit, not within the Town or City. Impact Bargain everything. If management wants to eliminate a position request the department budget. If management wants to eliminate a position find out who will do the work and impact bargain an increase for that/those members. If management wants to decrease the hours to an amount that is not covered by the contract, bargain to grandfather those members in the contract! Bargain to grandfather their health insurance until they retire if possible. If members or chapters are being regionalized, impact bargain to carry their vacation time, sick time, health insurance, rate of pay, everything. Don’t forget your release time! Use it to attend trainings and conferences! Make sure the time you use for grievances and bargaining is not release time. Look around your Chapter. Make sure anyone doing work similar to anyone in your Chapter is in your Chapter. One way to strengthen your Contract is to increase the number of members in it. |
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| Boston Centers for Youth and Family
BCFY Streetworker Anthony Meeks was honored for his work at the First Annual Boston School Police Captain “Billy” Hickey Awards. Dozens of 888 BCYF members turned out for the “Back on Our Grind” Party on September 16 at the Stadium in Quincy. |
 Anthony Meeks speaking about public workers’ struggle with rising cost of health care insurance Massachusetts SEIU State Council Legislative Breakfast |
 SEIU Local 888 President Bruce T. Boccardy BCYF members at the Back on Our Grind Party |
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| Haverhill
SEIU 888 Executive Board Member Fred Simmons held a fundraiser on September 18th to announce his candidacy for the Haverhill City Council. Fred has been a leader in our union for many years and he has the strong support of his fellow SEIU 888 members in Haverhill, many of whom turned out for the event. Right: Candidate for City Council Fred Simmons addresses his supporters |
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| Central Region Branch Office
On August 11th the Branch Office had it’s first ever Chapter Chair Regional Meeting. Ten of the Central regions Chapter Chairs got together and planned out their first ever regional meeting. The group developed a thought provoking agenda around the common issue of for the meeting on the 24th. They also developed a list of uses for the central branch office which include chapter meetings, regional occupational meetings, combined Chapter functions, trainings and more. Thanks to their planning and preparations, the August 24th meeting was a great success. Members who attended the meeting got a look at the new office, meet the leadership of the local and hear from some of the union’s experts on Municipal Health Care Reform, an update on evergreen language and to hear what is going on around the country to working middle class families. Keep on the lookout for more regional action in the coming months! - Regional Rep Mike Foster |
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| A SEIU 888 membership meeting at the Central Regional Branch Office | |
| Its Our Union
It’s our union, sisters and brothers. It’s not only the right and responsibility of the president, the other officers and the staff. They work for you and me. Without us, there would be no union. Since this is our union, we should act like it is. Whenever you see a coworker being abused or mistreated or that is happening to you, yourelf, speak up. At the very least, talk with your shop steward about the incident. The shop steward should not wait for the union rep, but neither should you. You wouldn’t stand by while a loved one was being abused, would you? Well, your coworkers should be able to depend on you, too. You work and talk with these folks every day. Don’t let them be mistreated. Speak up! Tell the supervisor or even other worker involved that human beings ar not meant to be treated that way. During the Nazi rule in Germany, a clergyman named Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew.” He goes on, ending, “Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak up for me.” That’s the situation we’re in, fellow 888ers. If you don’t speak up when a coworker is being mistreated, it may be the turn of someone across the floor next, but eventually, you’ll be mistreated, too. We cannot let supervisors get away with abuse. Look for your shop steward, but if she or he isn’t around, speak up yourself. It’s our union, sisters and brothers. We must act on that and speak truth to power. In truth, the power is in our hands, if we’d only realize it. - Greg King |
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Union News July 26, 2011
In this edition
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| Union News | |
| Municipal Health Care Reform | |
| The Legislature passed the new municipal health insurance law on July 11, and the Governor signed it on July 12. The law takes effect immediately. However, the regulations are still being drafted by the executive Office of Administration and Finance. Our coalition of unions is working with the Governor’s office to ensure that the regulations are accurate and fair.
In the meantime, some municipalities are already beginning to move ahead with the process. However, the leadership in a few of these communities apparently do not understand the requirements contained in the law. For example, Somerville has just sent out a notice to union representatives that it will proceed with bargaining over changes to its health insurance plans ahead of a vote by the board of Aldermen and even before it has determined the savings that changes would create. There is a similar situation in Arlington. Both of these municipalities are clearly violating the processes contained in the statute. In both Arlington and Somerville, the union coalition has responded by pointing out the deficiencies and requesting the municipalities hold off until the regulations are issued by the Administration and Finance. Here are the steps a local government must follow in order to implement changes to its health insurance plans:
After these steps the municipality must provide each bargaining unit with a notice of its intent to negotiate changes to the health insurance plans. The notice must contain the following information:
After the municipality has followed each of the above steps and provided the union with the required notice the parties have 30 days to negotiate over the changes. If the parties fail to reach agreement, the matter is submited to a 3 person Municipal Health Insurance Review Panel. For a complete FAQ on the changes to local goverment health insurance click here. If you are a chapter leader and have been contacted by management on this issue, please notify your Regional Rep ASAP or contact our Internal Organizing Director Shanna Weston at sweston@seiu888.org. |
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| Mortgage Help for Homeowners | |
| The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act provided $1 billion to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP). This HUD program is being administered by NeighborWorks America.
The program is designed to provide mortgage payment relief to eligible homeowners experiencing a drop in income of at least 15 percent, directly resulting from involuntary unemployment or underemployment due to adverse economic conditions and/or a medical emergency. The mortgage relief covers past-due mortgage payments, as well as a portion of the homeowner’s mortgage payment for up to 24 months (up to $50,000). For more information click here. |
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| Help for Tornado Victims! | |
| The Union Community Fund of Western Massachusetts makes grants to strengthen working families in areas such as jobs, housing, education, and hardship and disaster. Its motto is “Charity as Solidarity.” It is governed by a Board of labor leaders and community activists, and is a fund held in trust by the Warren J. Plaut Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
This year, because of the extraordinary circumstances arising from the Springfield Area tornados on June 1, 2011, we have organized a fund-raising effort to support union brother and sisters who have incurred significant property damage due to the tornados. So far the fund has raised over $34,000 to support victims of the Springfield area tornadoes. If you are a brother or sister in need, or know someone who is, please click here to download and print out a copy of the application form. Applications may be submitted anytime in August 2011. The first grants will be awarded August 17. To be considered at that time, applications should be submitted by August 10. Applications submitted later in August will be considered at a later date. Download a copy of the application form to post at your workplace by clicking here. The Fund is still accepting donations! They are tax deductible if made out to UCF, 640 Page Blvd #101, Springfield MA 01104. |
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| Watch this week’s National Workforce News Broadcast on our website | |
| Between Rupert Murdoch’s world-wide criminal NewsCorp network and the rest of the corporate owned media, objective reporting about issues that face working middle class families has largely disappeared in America.
We don’t have the money to go toe to toe with these corporate giants with our own newspapers, television stations and cable channels. However, by using the internet, SEIU has launched a new news service that presents the news from the point of view of ordinary working people. You can view the newest release on our website. This week’s broadcast covers:
Click here to watch this week’s National Workforce News Broadcast |
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| Local 888 Wishes Harold Jones a Fond Farewell | |
| SEIU Local 888′s Legal Director, Harold Jones, has moved on from Local 888 to continue his dedication to the labor movement in other venues! We all wish him well. Harold’s experience, knowledge, and passion for member’s rights will be missed by members and his co-workers alike. His ability to deal with the numerous contract complexities in many cases and still make time to advise staff and members will be greatly missed.
In the interim before the local is able to fill the vacancy, experienced outside labor counsel will be assisting the staff in maintaining representation, including handling of arbitrations, pending charges, and other legal matters. |
 Former 888 Legal Director Harold Jones and External Organizer Christina Villafranca at February’s Save the American Dream Rally |
| Civil Disobedience in Support of the Hyatt 100 | |
| Executive Director Patrick McCabe reports:
“On Thursday night, I had the honor of being arrested with 34 other activists while supporting the Hyatt 100. Most of you already know this but on August 31, 2009, 98 housekeepers from the three different Hyatts were called to s 3pm meeting. They were told that their services were no longer needed. Some of the employees worked there for over 25 years but the company wanted to save a couple bucks by replacing these housekeepers with minimum wage workers with no benefits. They were given black trashbags to clean out their lockers and told to pick up severance checks of 2-6 weeks pay depending on years of service. Prior to the firing, these women trained their replacements. When they asked about training these new housekeepers, they were told that the Hyatt was hiring more housekeepers so that the current housekeepers could get time off when they asked for it. The only question I had was why was I being taken off Hyatt property in handcuffs instead of the Hyatt executive who thought it was okay to treat people in this manner.“ |
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| US Heading Toward Default . . . How Did We Get Here? | |
| While most working people, like SEIU 888 members, pay upwards of 25% or more in federal taxes on our income. The 400 richest Americans pay on average just 18% in federal income tax. These uber-rich used to pay about 30%, but according to Steve Rattner, a Wall Street financier, the 2003 Bush tax cuts slashed the average tax rate for the uber-rich by 40%, leaving a gaping hole in federal tax revenues that has led to 8 straight years of ever growing deficits.
Meanwhile the Economic Policy Institute has found that between 1985 and 2008 the top 10% of Americans gobbled up 95% of the wealth created in this country, while the rest of us shared (90% of the US population) shared the remaining 5%. Looking at the chart below we can see that the super-rich’s share of America’s wealth today far exceeds even the dark days of the Robber Barons. It is not just a question of unfairness; that the federal income system working like Robin Hood in reverse. Rather, it is precisely because the rich are getting more and more of our money and at the same time paying less and less in taxes on that money that public services are being slashed, and vital programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are being targeted. The politicians in Washington who are screaming “no tax increases!” and refusiung to budge on raising the federal debt ceiling are not working for you and me, or 90% of our fellow Americans. They are working for the billionaires like the Koch Brothers who are actively trying to destroy our middle class and the way of life our country has known since the end of the second world war. Click on the graphic below to view an interactive presentation on The State of Working America. |
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| Hundreds turnout to Speak Out in Boston | |
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| On July 20, more than 450 concerned neighbors, including dozens of SEIU members, packed a crowded Prince Hall to speak out on the economic and social issues impacting our community. A passionate group of speakers stood to share their personal struggles, with many raising concerns about violence and the lack of opportunity for area youth.
Energy in the room ran high throughout the evening, with hundreds taking to the streets afterward in support of a local neighbor facing foreclosure and eviction. Lead by community organizers from City Life/Vida Urbana, the crowd poured out of the hall, filling the block surrounding the home of Drusilla Francis. Several neighbors stepped forward to share their own struggles with unemployment and foreclosure as the crowd rallied to support Francis in her fight to keep her home. It was a powerful and moving event, but we can’t let the momentum stop there. We know that we can create change in our communities, but only by standing up and taking action together. |
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| Springfield Passes Tough Anti-Foreclosure law | |
| In a model for communities across the nation, last week the Springfield City Council unanimously passed two resolutions sponsored by City Councilor Amaad Rivera. The first requires that foreclosing banks pay a $10,000 cahs bond to the city to cover the costs of maintaining and securing vacant properites. The second requires that banks enter in to good faith mediation with homeowners before they foreclose.
(On right: supporters celebrate passes the anti-foreclsure laws.) |
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| Employee of the Week | |
| Last week Amani Nunes spent the week at the union hall working with his dad. At the staff meeting on Friday he was awarded an employee of the week plaque for letting his dad get his work done!
On the right President Bruce T. Boccardy presents Amani with his Employee of the Week plaque. |
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| New Signs help members to find our union hall | |
| We have recently installed new signs, one directly on Roland street and another on our building to help members find our new union hall and to advertise our presence in the community.
On the right is President Bruce T. Boccardy and the new building sign. |
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| Boston Healthcare | |
| Last month our City of Boston Members overwhelmingly ratified changes to our health insurance. The new municipal health insurance law passed by the legislature has a provision that specifically preserves the changes negotiated with the City of Boston.
Below is a photo from a private meeting betwen Mayor Thomas M. Menino and SEIU 888 President Bruce T. Boccardy and 888 Political Director Eldin L. Villafane held during the negotiations over the health insurance changes. |
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| WILD Summer Institute | |
| 5 women from Local 888 attended the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development Summer Institute this year: Colette Ferguson, Cindi Coffin, Lori Moran, Susan Winning, and Deanne Dworski-Riggs. The weekend long leadership training offers workshops like “Becoming A Union Steward” for new leaders and skills sessions like “Public Speaking” and “Building A Sustainable Public Sector” for more experienced leaders. This year over 100 women came together to learn how to be more effective leaders, meet people from other unions and community groups, and celebrate WILD’s 25 years providing education, training, and support to aspiring women leaders. Each year Local 888 offers full scholarship for our members to attend this training, so join us next summer! | |
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| Members who attend this summer session reported:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank SEIU for giving me a full scholarship to attend WILD. What a wonderful and extremely informative weekend. It was amazing to see so many women gather together and express themselves on so many issues.” - Colette Ferguson “I have been teaching leadership skills at WILD for a number of years and I always love to see the incredible growth that the women make in just 2 days. WILD is the most rewarding educational experience for women that I know of. I think all the SEIU 888 stewards, officers and activists should attend.” - Susan Winning |
 Above SEIU 888 Member and WILD instructor Susan Winning |
| Union Events | |
| Labor Day Breakfasts
SEIU 888 has reserved tables for the annual Labor Day Breakfasts sponsored by the Greater Boston Labor Council and the Pioneer Valley Labor Council. The Greater Boston Labor Day Breakfast will be held on September 5, 2011 at the Park Plaza Hotel beginning at 9 am. The Pioneer Valley Labor Day Breakfast will be held on September 9, 2011 at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The doors will open at 8 am and the breakfast starts at 8:30 am. If you are interested in attended either of these events, please contact Eldin Villafane at evillafane@seiu888.org as soon as possible. Seats are limited and will be given out on a first come – first serve basis. |
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| Chapter News | |
| Quincy | |
| The Quincy Housing Authority reached an agreement for a bridge agreement to last for three years or until they reach a successor agreement. Negotiating a successor agreement is Mary Gethin, Kathy Parrazzo and Lester Gee. | |
| Boston | |
| City of Boston | |
| SEIU 888 recently settled two grievances with the City: One with Public Works Department which prevented two of our members from being laid off. The other settled an overtime disparity grievance in the amount of $1,800. | |
| BCYF | |
| SEIU Legal Department Staff Tina Hardy and BCYF Steward Domingoes DaRosa have discovered nearly 60 BCYF part time employees have been denied step increases in violation of the contract. The union has filed a grievance on this issue and we are currently in settlement negotiations. | |
| Boston Water and Sewer | |
| On Friday, June 24th the members of Boston Water and Sewer held elections for a new bargaining team. Congratulations to Arlene Jenkins, Tess Clark, Marcia O’Brien, Diane Cordova and Chapter Chair Charlotte Killam. We are excited to have them on board for negotiations!! | |
| Boston University | |
| The bargaining team at Boston University met amongst themselves on July 12th for preliminary discussions regarding negotiations. Surveys are out so please submit to a member of the bargaining team. Bargaining team members are Donald Altschiller, Ann Seskin, and J. Christina Smith. | |
| Boston Elderly Commission | |
| SEIU 888 Member Vilma Valentin, from the Boston Elderly Commission lead her sisters and brothers in the Puerto Rican Parade as the “Madrina (Godmother)”.
The Festival was held from July 22 thru the 24, 2011 at Franklin Park (Playstead Park). |
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| Everett Schools | |
| Everett School Custodians voted unanimously on June 22 to ratify a new one year contract with the town school committee. Their agreement provides for a 1% raise effective July 1, 2011 and an increase in sick leave buyback to $20/day for each unused sick day up to 105 days for a member or his/her estate upon retirement or death. Members also gained language enabling them to take five of their vacation days as individual days and stating that a weekend overtime list will be established for the 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. custodians according to earliest date of hire. Many thanks to Chapter President Bob Liston for his leadership throughout this process, to bargaining team member Mary Ann DeCourcy, and to all the members who participated in the June 15 membership meeting. Congratulations! | |
| Oxford Schools | |
| The newly organized unit of Teaching Assistants in the Oxford Schools have combined with the exisiting Teacher’s Aides contract and negotations have been completed. In the first year of the contract the steps which had been frozen under an earlier agreement have been reimplemented and members will receive a 2.5% across the board base increase in the second year and a 1.5% increase in the third year. | |
| Haverhill Schools | |
| The Haverhill School Committee voted 4-3 for new contracts for SEIU 888 cafeteria and custodial workers. Two sets of contracts were reached for each unit. The first contract is retroactive to cover the past two years when workers went without a contact and includes increases for longevity and just cause rights. The second contracts provide for 5% across the board base rate increase over the next three years. | |
| City of Woburn | |
| The negotiations for 2 chapters in Woburn, the Woburn City Hall employees unit and the DPW employees unit, continue on, though all sides are hopeful a settlement will be reached by mid-July. Since the contracts expired June 30, 2011, the Union had at the onset of negotiations proposed a bridge agreement to continue the terms of the agreements pending settlement. The City had initially rejected that proposal, but at the last meeting in June, the Mayor counterproposed a 30 day bridge agreement for July – just enough of an extension to work toward concluding negotiations. This was agreed upon, and all sides look forward to an imminent resolution to the contracts! | |
| Winchester DPW | |
| SEIU 888 Member Rich Magliozzi recently stepped up to serve as a Union Steward at the Transfer Station. He’s doing a great job and we’re glad to have him aboard! | |
| Hopkinton Schools | |
| Hopkinton School Cafeteria Chapter has reached a tentative agreement on a three year agreement. They were able to secure parity in their bereavement language with all school units and recieved an extra day. The agreement calls for 0%,1%, and 1.5%. | |
| Hopkinton School Para-Professionals Chapter, these newly organized members have elected their first ever Negotiating Committee which begins bargaining in July. Several members stepped forward to be part of the CAT (Contract Action Team) to assist with getting the word out to members. The committees are are anxious to spring into action….stay tuned! | |
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| April 30th Statewide Emergency Membership Meeting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The event itself was planned and coordinated by rank and file members of the Member Power Team. The team is group of Local 888 union activists from chapters across the state who have been meeting regularly to reinvigorate our union and build power for our members. The Member Power team is moving forward with a series of regional meetings to share ideas on how we can work together to fight back against the attacks and strengthen our union in the workplace and the State House.
The first regional meeting is scheduled for June 9th on the Cape. We’ll be sending out more details about the regional meetings shortly. If you would like to get involved with the Member Power team, or help to plan a regional union meeting for your area, contact memberpower@seiu888.org. |
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| Member Power planning team L – R: Patrice Kline, Southborough; Shanna Weston and David DiMaria, SEIU 888 Staff; CIndi Krawczyk, Southborough; Beth Rosenblum, Southborough; Mike Foster, SEIU 888 Staff; Joe Wisboro, Westborough; Deann Dworski-Riggs, SEIU 888 Staff; David West, Boston DND; Greg King, Boston City Hall; Tiffany Skogstrom, Boston Public Health; Filaine Deronnette, SEIU 888 Staff. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal Health Care Reform | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Using the big red button at the top of our website, over the past week SEIU 888 members sent nearly 700 letters to our state senators asking them to stand up for collective bargaining and affordable quality healthcare. . . Our efforts paid off!
The Senate Ways and Means Committee yesterday released a budget yesterday that addresses many of the serious problems contained in the House budget, including preserving our fundamental collective bargaining rights. While the measure is not perfect and we are still reviewing the specifics and seeking clarification as to how this measure will impact real people, we appreciate that Massachusetts Senate has heard our voices and, unike Speaker DeLeo, has taken a thoughtful approach to this issue. We will be issuing further updates as this legislation progresses. Please stay tuned and stay active. Together, our voices will be heard. |
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| An Act to Invest in Our Communities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hundreds turned out on May 5th for the hearing on legislation sponsored by Representative Jim O’Day (SEIU Local 509 member) that would create fair state income tax by raising the overall tax rate and increasing the exemptions. The effect would be that families earning under $80,000 pay the same or less, while individuals earning over $200,000 would see a significant increase.
Currently, families earning less than $100,000 year pay between 9 – 10% of their income in state and local taxes, whereas rich people in Massachusetts pay only about 6% of their income in taxes. This bill would help close that gap by lowering the overall tax on working families and making the rich pay their fair share. In addition to creating a fair state tax system, this legislation would also raise approximately $1.2 billion in revenues for our communities, schools and healthcare! We will keep members up to date as this legislation progresses. Click here for a fact sheet on the Act to invest in Our Communities. |
 Springfield Firefighter Mike Ireland addresses a community event on the Act to Invest in Our Communities. The event was held at the Springfield Education Assn and sponsored by community organizations such as Neighbor to Neighbor and Mass Senior Action. There are similar events being held in communities across the state. |
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| Top DOT Managers Get Big Raises While Workers Get Wage Freezes and Healthcare Cuts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 senior managers at the newly merged Department of Transportation received pay increases averaging 9% this year, including a $17,000 increase for chief of staff, Susan Quinones, whose pay shot up from $93,000 to $110,000 overnight.
“The recession is still battering working people all over the state. Moreover, public sector union employees all the state over are being laid off, being offered “0′s” in their contract negotiations and having huge increases in healthcare costs. These management raises are baffling at best and egregious at worst” said SEIU 888 President Boccardy Most frontline state workers, including those at the DOT got 0% increases in 2009 and 1% in 2010, while their heathcare co-payments doubled and deductibles shot up to $750. Assistant Secretary of Transportation Joseph Landolfi, who received a $5,000 increase to his own salary, defended the giveaway while noting that none of the recipients will be working any harder or longer hours. |
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| Members Celebrate Victory in Hopkinton | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The union held a victory party for the 80 Teaching Assisantants in Hopkinton Schools who filed a petition for union certification with an overwhelming majority. Regional Rep Mike Foster will assist the members in negotiations. Members of the Hopkinton Cafeteria Chapter and other area chapters joined in the party. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| L – R: Colette Ferguson, Teaching Assistant Hopkinton; Diana Umina, SPED Teaching Assistant Hopkinton; Rebecca Black, SPED Teaching Assistant Hopkinton; Ken Morin, SPED Teaching Assistant Hopkinton; Patrice Kline, Chapter Chair Southborough Town Library; Mike Foster, SEIU 888 Staff; President Boccardy; Sandy Conti and Christine Snow, Hopkinton Cafeteria; CIndi Krawczyk, Southborough; Gary Smith and Deanne Dworski-Riggs, SEIU 888 Staff;Kim Hesse, SPED Teaching Assistant Hopkinton | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Massachusetts SEIU State Council Legislative Breakfast
888 Member Anthony Meeks, streetworker for the Boston Centers for Youth & Family, was one of few members selected to speak before a large audience of SEIU members and state legislators about public workers’ struggle with rising cost of health care insurance at the event. The event held on May 5th was hosted by SEIU Local 615 in Boston and brought dozens of state legislators together with SEIU members to discuss the problems facing working families in today’s economy. |
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New Executive Board Member Jorge Vargas Sworn into Office
Jorge Vargas, 888 member from Boston Public School Planning & Engineering, was unanimously voted by members of the Local’s Executive Board as a new member to the board. Here, Jorge (center) is congratulated by 888 Secretary Treasurer Tony Koumantzelis and President Bruce T. Boccardy. |
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| Introducing New 888 Staff Colleen Doherty and Tomás Gonzalez | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colleen Doherty, Regional Representative
Colleen is a 20 year member and activist from SEIU Local 509. During that time she worked as a case management supervisor, was President of 509′s DMR/DMH chapter and chaired the member organizing committee. Colleen has an MSW from UConn and actually started out with SEIU as a member of one of 888′s predecessor unions, SEIU 285, when she was a social worker at Boston City Hospital. Colleen has also worked as Field Representative for Local 509 representing members and negotiating contracts. In short, given her experience and commitment to the union movement, we’re lucky to have Colleen come on board with us. She will be representing most of the units that Jennifer Smith did (before Jen left to take a position at the state Division of Labor Relations) including members in: Boston Public Health Commisssion, Boston Schools P&E, Lexington, Woburn, Malden, Everett, Belmont, Arlington and the Blue Hills School District. |
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Tomás Gonzalez, COPA Organizer
The union conducted interviews with several candidates for the COPA Organizer position. Ultimately, after deliberating on which candidate would best meet our need for a strong grassroots fundraiser and communicator, we offered the position to Mr. Tomas Gonzalez. Members may remember Tomás when he ran as a candidate for Boston City Council At-Large endorsed by 888 members who attended the candidate forum. Though he didn’t make the cut for one of the four highly competitive at-large seats, he pulled in an impressive showing of support from a cross-section of the City, including participation in his campaign from 888 members who he used to supervise as chief of staff of the Boston Elderly Commission. More recently, Tomás was the campaign manager for the successful candidacy of Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson. Tomás is excited about joining the 888 team, and expressed his eagerness to help build a thriving member-driven COPA program. The COPA Organizer position was made possible by a special grant from SEIU International’s Political Division. |
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| CHAPTER NEWS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| City of Boston | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boston Center for Youth and Families Chapter: The City of Boston has announced that effective July 1, 2011 it will cease City operations at the Mason Pool, Kent, Harborside, Tynan, Orchard Gardens Community Centers and reorganize the Madison Park Community Center. While the SEIU 888 BCYF Bargaining Team is committed to making sure the number of layoffs is minimized, we need the support of all members so be on the lookout for any mailings/flyers with additional information. The time to be informed is NOW!!! For any immediate questions, please call Chapter Chair Domingos DaRosa at 617-892-0175.
COB Bargaining Update: Union members ratify the Health Insurance Agreement. Nearly 450 SEIU 888 members turned out for the vote with 408 voting “yes” and 28 voting “no.” Excellent turnout! We return to the bargaining table with the City on May 18th. |
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| Teacher Assistants in Mendon-Upton Regional Schools have reached a one year tentative agreement to preserve the current contract and receive a half day for a holiday. The Regional School system finds itself in a very difficult situation with retirement of current (and well respected) Superintendent Antonio Fernandes, and pending votes on Prop 2 overrides in both Mendon and Upton in order to maintain level funding for the upcoming year. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Winchester DPW employees held their chapter elections in March and have voted in a new slate of officers including a new Chapter Chair. We thank previous Chapter Chair Ralph Johnson for his work and dedication during his time in office. We congratulate the following members on their new leadership roles and recognize their commitment to the chapter through ongoing grievances, having a united voice with the two other SEIU 888 chapters in Winchester during health insurance discussions, attendance at the Local-wide conference and their dedication to making sure the members receive an accurate version of the new contract. The following are your new officers:
Chapter Chairs: Dan Callanan – Chapter Chair Mark Augello – Chapter Co-Chair Stewards Rich Longo – Steward Maintenance Dept; Mike Smith – Steward Water Dept; Ralph Johnson – Steward Transfer Station Negotiating Team: Claude Barden, Tom Connolly, Jim Ditullio, Mike Smith |
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| Recently 2 bargaining units in the Winthrop Schools settled 3 years contracts for July 1, 2008-June 30, 2011. Both the Winthrop School Food Service members and Winthrop School Custodial members were glad to finally settle an agreement as negotiations had been put on hold with virtually every union in the school system for a couple years.
The Food Service agreement included a raise retroactive to July 1, 2010 of $.25 per hour, and the Custodial agreement included a raise retroactive to July 1, 2010 of 2%. Both units are recommencing negotiations for the next contract as the settlements just reached expire June 30. Chapter leaders and President Boccardy were present at the May 12 School Committee meeting in which the contracts were voted on and signed.” On right: SEIU 888 Chapter Chair Dominic Passaro signs a copy of the agreement while School Committee Chair Mary Lou Osborne looks on. |
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| Westwood Town Clerical Employees ratified a three year agreement that is retroactive to July 2009 and includes upgrades of 3 positions, additional tuition stipends and a 3% increase effective this July. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Congratulations to the Plymouth Town Clerical Chapter which, after almost two years, ratified a new contract! Although new employees earn less sick and vacation time, there is a new step added and 2% COLA for FY 12! Great job bargaining team members Lyn Scolamiero, Joanne McNulty, Dotty Esser and Marilyn Fistori! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Congratulations to the Weymouth School Cafeteria Unit who ratified their FY11 contract with a 2% COLA retro to September 2010, an increase in pay when filling in for the cook and an increase in sick time buyback! Great job Jeannette, Donna and Kathy! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The union is considering filing a bad faith bargaining charge against the administration of Mayor Pluta and City Solicitor Lisa Ball. Ms. Ball negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement with the union. Then after Ms. Ball and the Mayor signed the agreement and it was ratified by the members, Mayor Pluta’s administration refused for nearly two months to present the agreement to the City Council for passage.
When, after considerable pressure from the union, they finally brought it to the council the administration presented the agreement in a bad light with inflated cost figures that were different than those they used during bargaining. Predictably, the council turned down the agreement. The union is currently in discussions with the Mayor’s office to try to settle this matter. If that is not possible, the union will have no choice but to pursue this matter before the state Division of Labor Relations. |
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| Lawrence Arbitration Victory: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The union recently won an arbitration for a member in Lawrence City Hall who was suspended without pay and ultimately terminated without cause. The arbitrator found that city not only sought to embellish its case against the member after her discipline was imposed, but that in each and every instance the city presented “no evidence” to support its allegations. As a result, the arbitrator ordered our member to be restored to her former position with full back pay, seniority and all benefits or approximately $30,000 plus lost vacation and sick time.
Such a case should come as no surprise to those familiar with events in Lawrence. A city whose mayor who hides his home address until it is revealed by the press that he has been scamming the heating assistance program for low income residents; who calls in questionable police reports; and whose administration is being probed by both the Essex County District Attorney as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Inexplicably Mayor Lantigua attended the arbitration hearing himself; although he had no testimony to offer. Perhaps the mayor came to see first hand if his Human Resources Director, Frank Bonet, could screw things up as badly as he has? If so, the mayor should be well satisfied with the outcome of a case the union repeatedly tried to resolve prior to arbitration. Frank Bonet, members may recall, wrote an Op-Ed in the Eagle Tribune last February in which blamed the entire economic crisis (as well as the turmoil in the arab world) on unions and while calling for a Wisconsin solution lamented “As a resident of this city I just can’t understand all the grievances, arbitrations and, labor charges. Ridiculous!” Ridiculous Mr. Bonet? Ridiculous? What’s ridiculous is the way that you and your Mayor are driving the city of Lawrence into the ground. In addition to the back wages that the City now has to pay for work that was not performed; how much time and legal fees did you waste trying to unjustly terminate a hard working city employee of twenty five years? An employee with a stellar performance record, and who it is clear from the arbitrator’s decision was obviously being scapegoated for the actions of the previous political administration. In case you didn’t know Mr. Bonet; this is what unions are for. We stand up for working people against the abuses of the powerful, like yourself. No, the unions didn’t turn you into subjects of ridicule, Mr. Bonet. You and your friend Mayor Lantigua do that all by yourselves. Unfortunately you are also doing it to the City of Lawrence. It’s time for some accountability: In light of the arbitrator’s findings that this was an absolutely worthless case, we think Mr. Bonet and Mayor Lantigua (who signed the termination notice) should personally reimburse the City for all the taxpayer money that they wasted. |
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