By Brooks Ballenger, UAW 2322 Servicing Representative Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s we did lots of door knocking, petitions, and lobbying activities trying to get a bottle bill passed in Massachusetts. One of my favorites was the “Can to King” campaign, where we flattened soda cans and mailed them to Governor King, a staunch opponent of any pro-environment legislation. We finally passed … Continue reading
By: Ryan Quinn, UAW 2322 Servicing Representative Following years of attempts to get the state legislature to pass earned sick leave legislation, Massachusetts unions have moved the fight to the ballot box. In a referendum vote set for the November 4 statewide election, Massachusetts voters will be able to vote for a law providing a minimum standard for paid sick days. If Question 4 passes, … Continue reading
On October 30, the Goddard Staff bargaining committee met with management in the Clockhouse. Management and the union bargaining committee tentatively agreed on and signed eleven articles: “Union Recognition”, “Discipline and Discharge”, “Non-Discrimination”, “Sexual Harassment”, “Personnel Files”, “Notices”, “Severability”, “Union Security”, “Labor/Management Committee”, “Residency Employees”, and “Probation and Probationary Periods”. These tentative agreements mean that the language for those articles is settled, pending agreement on … Continue reading
By: Ryan Quinn, UAW 2322 Servicing Representative/Organizer The first time I met Jan Clausen in person was in April 2013, as we leafleted outside the New York International Auto Show on behalf of Nissan workers trying to organize with the UAW. For years prior, hers was a familiar voice calling into Joint Council meetings from her home in Brooklyn as a representative of faculty unit … Continue reading
On October 16, the newly reconstituted Goddard Staff bargaining committee met with management in the Oak Room to restart the bargaining process. We were pleased at the change in tone from previous negotiations, but there is still much work to be done before we have a first contract. Management gave an updated offer where they showed some movement on several outstanding issues. It is clear … Continue reading