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About

Founded in 2003, SEIU Local 888 unites 8,000 public service workers. Our members provide vital support and services in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. Local 888 believes in the dignity and worth of the services our members provide. Local 888 is dedicated to improving the lives of our members and the communities we serve. We are backed by the power and strength of the largest union in the United States, the Service Employees International Union. We are two million members strong and growing. In Massachusetts, SEIU represents over 75,000 members.


We stand for:

Ethics:

We take the responsibility of representation very seriously; and as such Local 888 abides by the ethical guidelines established by the International. You can find a copy here.

SEIU Local 888 2024 Candidate Statements.

The following are statements from candidates for local-wide offices.

Tom McKeever--Candidate, President (Incumbent)

It's not my union or your union...it's our union. Together we will fight for secure fair and living wages, high quality healthcare, better paid leave and safe workplaces. I would be honored to have your support to lead our united effort. I have been an active union member for over 25 years, 18 of those in the public sector. My vision for our union is one of inclusion, transparency and tireless work on our collective behalf. I have assembled a slate that represents a cross-section of our membership. We are committed to listening to you, to working with and for you, and to keeping you informed about all of our work. This is about all of us, working together to do better! I would be honored to lead our collective effort.

Jorge Vargas—Candidate, President

Candidate Statement:

Fellow Members of SEIU 888,

I'm putting forward my candidacy as PRESIDENT to address the concerning decline in member representation and ethical integrity within our local.

Our rallying cry is "Enough is Enough."

The traditional union model prioritizes active member involvement in bargaining, grievances, chapter organization, and political engagement. However, our current approach at 888 is failing our members. Decisions are made without considering their voices, information is withheld, and funds are misappropriated from chapters to the Benevolent Fund.

Grievances are often dismissed based on cost, despite being funded by member dues. I firmly believe every grievance merits a fair hearing.

Protecting collective bargaining rights is paramount, as members rightfully expect.

Our administration will prioritize your concerns, advocating for fair compensation and benefits with respect and transparency.

Join me in reshaping our local into one that truly supports its members.

Enough is enough.

John Kallmerten--Candidate, Executive Board (Incumbent)

Candidate Statement:

My name is John Kallmerten I’ve been serving as a Trustee for SEIU888 for 6 years.

As a trustee I’ve been working to maximize financial efficiency at our local.

Taking measures to avoid paying penalties on COPA contributions and bringing prepaid legal services to the MSLC chapter are a few accomplishments.

SEIU 888 Trustee 6 years.

Chapter chair Massachusetts State Lottery 6 years.

MSLC steward 10 years.

Chair MSLC Health & Welfare fund 6 years.

I’m asking for your support to continue making our local efficient and bring the best contracts and benefits to all our members.

Scott Larmand--Candidate, Executive Board (Incumbent)

Candidate Statement

Hello SEIU LOCAL 888 members

Next month I will reach my 22nd year as teacher at my chapter of SEIU888. I started out joining the contract bargaining team, then became the co-steward. Eventually, when my co-steward left, I became site president 7 years ago.  Serving the families and disadvantaged children of Lowell Day Nursery has made my career extremely rewarding. Being part of a union has always been good for our school, but only in these past few recent years has it become a great source of collaboration and productivity.

Under the leadership of Tom McKeever, my members all benefitted from the time and attention he has put into the work we have done together. Collaborating with Anthony Landry and his team in the political department has opened up doors we never knew existed.  The interest our union has taken to support Early Childhood Education has invigorated my members like never before. When I was asked to join the Executive Board last year, I didn’t hesitate. Seeing the support our union has given us, I was excited to build on the momentum we created together. As a result , last summer we negotiated our best contract to date .

Never before have I been this proud of my union. I see the same sentiment on the faces of my members.  The positivity and hope for our industry has never been stronger. I am looking forward to continue the good work we have done and build on our successful collaborations. I am stronger, my members are stronger, my school is stronger, and my industry is stronger.  That’s the core of today’s SEIU888-STRONGER TOGETHER!!

Sincerely ,

Scott Larmand

Executive Board member

Chapter President

Lowell Day Nursery

Carmen Rivera—Candidate, Executive Board

Candidate Statement:

With over two decades of service at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, I've consistently stood alongside my colleagues, advocating for our rights and fair treatment. My devotion to our union's cause is steadfast; I believe every member deserves robust representation. From organizing events to negotiating, I've actively engaged in union activities. As a potential Executive Board Member, I promise to uphold this unwavering commitment, ensuring our workforce's concerns are heard and addressed.

I'm honored to stand with Jorge Vargas in improving our Union and supporting a Legal Department dedicated to defending our rights.

Together, let's build a union that serves each and every one of us effectively.

David Reno—Candidate, Executive Board

Candidate Statement:

As a candidate for the Executive Board of SEIU, I bring years of experience serving on committees, negotiating teams, and as a dedicated steward and delegate. I advocate for a grassroots approach and propose innovative ideas such as monthly presidential Zoom conferences, a grievance timeline for transparency, and online resources to better inform members about our services. Additionally, I suggest relocating the local to Boston for accessibility, implementing an online newsletter with interactive features, and hosting speaker events to engage members.

The decline in ethical standards within our local is a concern, highlighted by an internal investigation. Enough is Enough.

Aligned with Jorge Vargas, I pledge to uphold solidarity, honesty, and progress. With your support, I will continue advocating for our union's values and ensuring members' voices are heard and rights protected. Your vote is appreciated.

*The Braintree union hall has limited staffing onsite. Please schedule an appointment before visiting.*

Chapter leaders (stewards, chapter president) are your first point of contact for questions and concerns. More contact info for union staff is available in the Member Portal.

Main number: 617-241-3300

Main email: myunion@seiu888.org

Union Headquarters: 25 Braintree Hill Park #306, Braintree, MA 02184

#StrongerTogether

African American Caucus

Latino Caucus

Constitution and Bylaws

Member Information Policy

It is understood that all SEIU Local 888 staff members, in the course of their employment, may have access to or be provided certain information that is and must be kept confidential. The confidential information includes: 1. any and all member information including but not limited to names, addresses, telephone numbers, work location, employer 2. and any and all other membership personal data, regardless of whether such information is designated as "confidential information" at the time of its disclosure. 3. Information accessible via Local 888's e-mail system, internet connections, membership information systems or computer systems All staff members are precluded from disclosing any membership information obtained from or maintained by SEIU Local 888 to anyone unless required to do so by law. All such requests made to a staff member must be forwarded to the president of SEIU Local 888 (or designee) upon receipt. Any requests to provide membership lists to aid in membership representation must be preapproved by the president of SEIU Local 888 (or designee). All staff members are precluded from sharing their password or permit unauthorized persons, including unauthorized Local 888 employees, to gain access to Local 888's e-mail system, Internet connections, membership information or computer systems for any reason.

Executive Officers

Trustees

Executive Board