Springfield Bargaining team L-R (from the back): Don King, Willy White, Joseph Perry, Mary Abeid-Pratt, Vivian Ann Kelly, Vanessa Merrit, Hellen Brown, Regional Rep. Angel Alvarez

"The bargaining team is quite pleased with the advancement of our certification,” declared Mary Abeid-Pratt, a crossing guard and active member involved in the organizing effort. “We would like to continue the unity with our fellow crossing guards; it is most important that we stay united to achieve our safety, security and stability.”

Here a proud Ms. Abeid-Pratt celebrates her and fellow crossing guards’ efforts to form a union. Making use of a recent state law that has made it easier for public workers to seek collective bargaining rights, the 125 crossing guards in Springfield have signed cards saying they want to form a union.

With the hard work of Local union organizers Deanne Dworski-Riggs and Christina Villafranco, the crossing guards were able to gain long sought after recognition from the state. Organizers from SEIU Local 888 had not too long ago helped to organize crossing guards in Somerville, Massachusetts, negotiated a 2% annual raise with the city, and established seniority rights and a process for filing grievances.

The new members believe that forming a union will boost crossing guards' profile in the community and bring them more respect from drivers and city officials.