Western Mass Area Labor Federation

HTA is sending a message that retaliation against active union members isn't acceptable. Support them by sending a letter today:

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-holyoke-school-leadership-no-retaliation-for-protected-union-activity?source=direct_link

HTA Stands Against Retaliatory Non-renewals and Union Interference:

Holyoke Teachers Association leadership are aware of an incident at Holyoke High School in which an active member-organizer had their contract non-renewed, and then was told by HHSN administration to cease self-organization on his own behalf. We want to be clear that this is an explicit violation of protected union activity under Massachusetts General Law 150E.

This member, Bob Williams is a very active union member who attended 17 bargaining sessions as a silent rep, and has served his school as a building rep and Building Action Team member. Like so many other teachers in Holyoke, Bob was in his first 3 years teaching in the district.

Teachers without professional teacher status (PTS) represent an incredibly strong and active part of our union and city and they have lifted their voices to make our schools better for the young people of Holyoke. Bob’s non-renewal risks producing a chilling effect, making union members are now fearful to face similar retaliation for participating in protected union activities.

The HTA will challenge all cases of retaliation against any and all members exercising their protected rights as workers. HTA leadership will file Unfair Labor Practice charges against Holyoke Public Schools and its agents for their actions. We encourage any members who believe they have been targeted for organizing at work to get in touch with their union to challenge such actions.

HPS must cease and desist in all acts of union interference and retaliation against employees exercising their rights under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 150E, and in this case reinstate Bob Williams immediately.

An Action Network Petition has been put together for educators and members of the community to sign, you can find it here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-holyoke-school-leadership-no-retaliation-for-protected-union-activity?source=direct_link&

Signed,

The HTA Executive Board

Save the date for the Massachusetts Girls in the Trades Conferences and Career fairs this November! The Building Trades Unions offer a pathway to life-long careers with excellent pay, healthcare plans, pensions, and more.

Contact Sarah Adams at [email protected] to learn more.

The Square Strike is entering its second week! To help educators and staff keep up the fight for a living wage, we are raising funds for a supplemental strike fund!

Over the weekend we raised $1,300! Can you help us hit $2,500 today? Donate at sq1.wmalf.org now!

📣📣Square One Educators and Staff on Strike 📣📣

We're rallying Friday afternoon on the picket line. Join us to show management that the community stands with workers on strike!

🕛 Friday, June 5th @ 2 pm (Picket line from 7 am to 2 pm)
📍 Gather at 186 Williams St, Springfield, MA
🔗 sq1.wmalf.org

Square One workers have been on strike since Tuesday, fighting for a living wage during the cost of living crisis.

As of 7 am on Tuesday, June 6th, Square One Educators and Staff with UAW Local 2322 are on strike.

The Issues:

- The union wants a living wage for all employees. Management says they have the money, but said that the workers don’t deserve a living wage.
- The union wants respect for its members and a offer which reflects the tireless work of early childhood educators. Management has responded to offers with threats to benefits and has asked workers to quit the union.
- The union wants to create sustainable jobs for working people in Springfield. Management has threatened to hire replacement workers even though they can’t fill open positions now.

What you can do:

- Join us on the picket line! We will be out from 7am to 3pm every day until Square One offers us fair and equitable wages, a paid leave allowance, and the ability to negotiate over substantial changes to job descriptions. Get the updated schedule each day from the link at sq1.wmalf.org
- Call Square One Management. Tell them to come to the table with an offer of a living wage. Say “I support the educators and staff on strike! Phone number: 413-732-5183.
- Sign the petition. Find the form at sq1.wmalf.org

Join us next week for our monthly Delegates Meeting! This month, we are meeting on Zoom. You can register to recieve the link at meeting.wmalf.org!

The ALF Delegate meeting is open all members of our affiliate unions.

SPRINGFIELD UNIONS STAND WITH SQUARE ONE WORKERS!

Dear Square One Management,

We, the undersigned unions representing thousands of workers in Springfield, call on you to return to the table with a fair offer for Square One educators. Our union siblings in UAW Local 2322 are ready to bargain in good faith for a contract which meets the needs of educators.

Early childhood educators are vital to our community, but they have been undervalued for far too long. Your workers deserve a living wage which allows them to live in dignity and reflects the tireless work they put into the community. Early childhood educators deserve to thrive, not just survive.

Your attempts to intimidate members of the union into resigning their membership, threatening their healthcare benefits, and threatening to hire replacement workers won’t work. We will stand behind UAW Local 2322 members as they organize for what they deserve.

We urge you to return to the table with an offer that meets the needs of your employees.

In solidarity,
APWU Local 497
IUPAT DC 35
Mass Nurses Association
New England Joint Board UNITE-HERE
SEIU Local 32BJ
Springfield Education Association
UAW Local 2320
UFCW Local 1459