Close to 300 MTA higher education members descended on the statehouse Oct. 22nd to lobby for funding ratified contracts that were vetoed by Governor Swift before she left office. This was part of an on-going effort by Higher Education Unions United (HEUU) to secure funding.
These unfunded contracts cover 13,000 employees, mostly from MTA locals but also from MFT, AFSCME and other unions. The majority are employed at the various UMass campuses, but the AFSCME classified staff employees at community colleges are also among them.
A number of MCCC members participated in solidarity with the affected unions. Bunker Hill Chapter President, Ted Ridout, led a delegation from his college along with MCCC leaders like President Rick Doud and Vice President Joe LeBlanc.
The day began at 10:00 a.m. with a group meeting highlighted by speeches from Representatives Ellen Story (D-Amherst) and Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington), and from Senators Steven Tolman (D-Watertown) and Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst). MTA President Cathy Boudreau and MFT President Kathy Kelly also spoke. The speakers pointed out the unprecedented nature of not funding duly negotiated and ratified contracts. In an impassioned speech Senator Tolman, a former MBTA Carmen's Union member, railed against this affront to collective bargaining and said that if the state won't honor contracts, then unions should have the right to strike.
After the speeches, members were broken up into small groups with lists of three representatives and one senator to visit in their offices. Armed with packets that included talking points stressing that these are bills that are due, and that the state has sufficient funds in reserve to pay these bills. A number of representatives noted that the lobbying campaign was very professional and was beginning to have an effect.
On Oct. 30 the Public Service Committee voted unanimously to recommend the funding bill. Next, it has to go to the House Ways and Means Committee for a similar vote before going to the floor of the House.
Senator Stanley Rosenberg speaks to MTA Higher Ed. activists (credit Spindel)
MTA Higher Ed. activists listen to Senator Stanley Rosenberg (credit Spindel)
Bristol Community College members wearing caps and gowns
participate in State House Watch (photo by Jerry
Spindel)