The Plight of Public Defenders
September 6, 2022
The latest effort by Massachusetts public defenders to be recognized as employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in order to form a union has again been passed over by the Legislature.

The latest effort by Massachusetts public defenders to be recognized as employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in order to form a union has again been passed over by the Legislature.
Press Release
SEIU 888 works collaboratively with chapters across Massachusetts to secure dozens of contracts for members each year - contracts that improve the lives of our members and the services available in the communities they serve. Here are just a few examples of our recent wins.
The City of Boston and Boston Public Schools have grown increasingly tight-lipped about the growing safety crisis in our public schools.
Belmont Selectmen Cross Line in Comparing Union Members Advocating for Fair Contract to Insurectionists, Murderers
Give participants a chance to meet union officers such as President Tom McKeever.
Looks to reform a system for hiring and promotions that he learned about while fighting for fellow union members looking for ‘a fair shake’
At understaffed Boston 911 call center, too many workers are hanging it up. The ranks of the call-takers alone have fallen from more than 60 down to about 45.
Meanwhile, librarians embroiled in contract campaign with university
Funding comes from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Contract with up to 12 percent raises passes unanimously.
Cleanup in the homeless facility’s area shows the power of working in a community, labor coalition.
For starters, the new contract gives Local 888 members a $2-per-hour pay increase.
A hazardous duty bonus — which covers union members at the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers’ Homes — is part of the pact’s raises and bonuses.
Corey Robinson lands district seat as city, facing a civil rights lawsuit, revamps representation.
Two Local 888 members care for unconscious resident while calling for emergency personnel.
The Boston Police Department ‘completely and totally fell down on hiring.’
Local 888 tradition is revived with top-notch college hockey, a buffet dinner and socializing.