• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer
USA logo.

University Staff Association

University Staff Association

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Join USA!
  • About
    • Executive Board
    • Get Involved!
    • Join USA!
    • History of USA
    • MTA & NEA
  • Documents
    • Contract
    • Constitution
    • FY26 Budget
    • Forms
    • State Specifications
  • Committees
  • Stewards
  • Resources
    • Grievances
      • Weingarten Rights
      • Duty of Fair Representation
      • Just Cause for Discipline
    • Benefits
      • Dental and Vision
      • Sick Leave Bank
      • Retirement
      • Discounts
    • Bargaining Headquarters
      • Bargaining Archive
      • Silent Bargaining Representatives (SBRs)
    • Reclassification
    • FAQ
    • Union Dictionary
  • News
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Hands Off Our Healthcare! Stop the GIC Cuts!

    Hands Off Our Healthcare! Stop the GIC Cuts!

    UMass Amherst Rally and Press Conference this Tuesday, February 10th, at the Commonwealth Honors College Events Hall The GIC is about to vote to weaken our health care plan… unless we stop them! Join fellow MTA members and other higher education workers for a rally/press conference on February 10 to reject these proposals with our […]

  • Learn more about the new website!

    Learn more about the new website!

    Hey USA! Chris Weeks here, and on behalf of the Website Subcommittee, allow me to welcome you to the new USA Website. As I mentioned in our website reveal back in October, this is the culmination of several USA members, both executive board and Rank and File, and shows the true potential of what we […]

  • University Staff Association Newsletter - January 2026

    University Staff Association Newsletter - January 2026

    ❄️Monday, January 27, 2026❄️ From Minnesota to Massachusetts: ICE Out of Our Cities! On Sunday, nearly 5,000 unionists and activists across Massachusetts gathered online to hear educators and union presidents Marcia Howard, Marty Fridgen, and Catina Taylor. Leaders who are actively resisting ICE in their schools and communities in Minnesota. Their message couldn’t be clearer: […]

  • Meet the USA Executive Board

    Meet the USA Executive Board

    Name: Sheila Gilmour (she/her)USA Position: PresidentDepartment: USA OfficeYears of Service: 14Hobbies: art, horror movies, trying new things (the weirder the better!) I am excited to work with a great team of enthusiastic, dedicated union reps who are committed to building a strong union. UMass works because we do, and it’s time this University shows us […]

Hover over the slideshow to view an excerpt.

Tap the slideshow to view the title.

Quick Links

Full Contract (PDF)
Memo of Agreement (MoA)
Union FAQ

TAKE ACTION!

No matter your skillset or availability, there is a way for you to help strengthen your union. Learn the best way to help your union today!

Join a Committee
Join the 10:1 Network
GET INVOLVED!

Events Calendar

February 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    February 2, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM) meets every Monday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    MUM is a space to build solidarity with other union leaders from UMass Amherst, including faculty, staff, and students. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues at UMass Amherst.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
3
4
  • Communications Committee Meeting

    Communications Committee Meeting

    February 4, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Communications Committee meets every other Wednesday from 12-1 pm on Zoom. 

    The committee keeps membership informed and engaged through emails, newsletters, social media, the website, and more.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to the Communications Coordinator Deborah Place at dplace@umass.edu

    See more details

•
5
  • Federal Fightback

    Federal Fightback

    February 5, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    The Federal Fightback group meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    The Federal Fightback group is working to defend higher-ed workers like you from funding cuts and other attacks on our college and university campuses.

    If you’re interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to USA President Sheila Gilmour at sgilmour@umass.edu.

    See more details

•
6
  • UUU Classified Coalition

    UUU Classified Coalition

    February 6, 2026  10:00 am - 11:00 am

    The UMass Unions United (UUU) Classified Coalition meets every other Friday from 10-11 am on Zoom.

    Standing Agenda Items include:

    • Bargaining updates
    • Shared campaign updates
    • Upcoming trainings, events, and conferences 

    If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please contact our MTA Field Representative Anna Rose at arose@massteacher.org

    See more details

  • Organizing Committee Meeting

    Organizing Committee Meeting

    February 6, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Organizing Committee meets every other Friday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    The committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract. They organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to attend a meeting, please reach out to the committee co-chairs: Ian Sedelow (isedelow@umass.edu), Adam Feldman (asfeldman@umass.edu), and Camille Godbout-Chouinard (cgodboutchou@umass.edu)

    See more details

• •
7
8
9
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    February 9, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM) meets every Monday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    MUM is a space to build solidarity with other union leaders from UMass Amherst, including faculty, staff, and students. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues at UMass Amherst.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
10
  • Hands Off Our Healthcare Rally and Press Conference

    Hands Off Our Healthcare Rally and Press Conference

    February 10, 2026

    Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/massteacher/event/896569/

    The Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - the commission that manages the health insurance options for you and thousands of public sector workers - is about to vote to weaken our health care plan... unless we stop them!

    Join your fellow USA members and higher education workers for a rally and press conference on February 10th to reject these proposals with our collective voice. Let elected officials and the public know how these proposed GIC cuts will impact YOU.

    Massachusetts is the wealthiest state in the wealthiest country with the wealthiest billionaires. Public sector workers cannot and will not bear the cost of a crisis caused by a reckless federal government. Our families deserve better!

    Help send a clear message to the GIC and Governor Healey: Don't balance the budget on the backs of public workers and their families! We have an opportunity to address health inequities in this budget and demand better health care -- not worse!

    Refreshments will be provided.

    See more details

•
11
  • Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    February 11, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Health & Safety Committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 1-2 pm over Zoom. 

    They work together to discuss and address health & safety related issues our members experience in the workplace. From mold, pests, and temperature issues to accessibility to snow and ice removal, the committee advocates for a safe working environment on campus!

    If you'd like to join or attend a meeting, please reach out to the Health & Safety Coordinator Casey Krone at ckrone@umass.edu

    See more details

  • Executive Board Meeting

    Executive Board Meeting

    February 11, 2026  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    The Executive Board meets every other Wednesday from 1-3 pm on Zoom and/or in-person.

    They discuss urgent issues on campus and beyond, provide committee updates, strategize around current union initiatives, and more.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

• •
12
  • UMass Unions United (UUU)

    UMass Unions United (UUU)

    February 12, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    UMass Unions United (UUU) meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    UUU is a space to build solidarity with union leaders from the other UMass campuses, including faculty and staff. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues on our campuses.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
13
14
15
16
17
18
  • Communications Committee Meeting

    Communications Committee Meeting

    February 18, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Communications Committee meets every other Wednesday from 12-1 pm on Zoom. 

    The committee keeps membership informed and engaged through emails, newsletters, social media, the website, and more.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to the Communications Coordinator Deborah Place at dplace@umass.edu

    See more details

•
19
  • Federal Fightback

    Federal Fightback

    February 19, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    The Federal Fightback group meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    The Federal Fightback group is working to defend higher-ed workers like you from funding cuts and other attacks on our college and university campuses.

    If you’re interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to USA President Sheila Gilmour at sgilmour@umass.edu.

    See more details

•
20
  • UUU Classified Coalition

    UUU Classified Coalition

    February 20, 2026  10:00 am - 11:00 am

    The UMass Unions United (UUU) Classified Coalition meets every other Friday from 10-11 am on Zoom.

    Standing Agenda Items include:

    • Bargaining updates
    • Shared campaign updates
    • Upcoming trainings, events, and conferences 

    If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please contact our MTA Field Representative Anna Rose at arose@massteacher.org

    See more details

  • Organizing Committee Meeting

    Organizing Committee Meeting

    February 20, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Organizing Committee meets every other Friday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    The committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract. They organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to attend a meeting, please reach out to the committee co-chairs: Ian Sedelow (isedelow@umass.edu), Adam Feldman (asfeldman@umass.edu), and Camille Godbout-Chouinard (cgodboutchou@umass.edu)

    See more details

• •
21
22
23
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    February 23, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM) meets every Monday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    MUM is a space to build solidarity with other union leaders from UMass Amherst, including faculty, staff, and students. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues at UMass Amherst.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

  • Stewards Council Meeting

    Stewards Council Meeting

    February 23, 2026  12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

    The Stewards Council meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 12-2 pm to discuss ongoing issues, coordinate on member outreach, and review sections of the USA contract.

    A district steward is the first line of defense for union members and serves as their direct connection to the union. Stewards enforce the contract, support members in the workplace, and represent them during Loudermill hearings. 

    If you're interested in becoming a steward, please contact Chief Steward Camille Godbout-Chouinard at cgodboutchou@umass.edu

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • Executive Board Meeting

    Executive Board Meeting

    February 25, 2026  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    The Executive Board meets every other Wednesday from 1-3 pm on Zoom and/or in-person.

    They discuss urgent issues on campus and beyond, provide committee updates, strategize around current union initiatives, and more.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
26
  • UMass Unions United (UUU)

    UMass Unions United (UUU)

    February 26, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    UMass Unions United (UUU) meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    UUU is a space to build solidarity with union leaders from the other UMass campuses, including faculty and staff. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues on our campuses.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
27
  • HELC Bargaining Council

    HELC Bargaining Council

    February 27, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am

    HELC Bargaining Council meetings take place on Zoom on the fourth Friday of the month from 8:30-10:00 AM. Union release time is available.

    HELC Bargaining Council is a new group that is part of the Higher Ed Leadership Council (HELC) and will include Higher Ed union activists, both faculty and staff, from across the state. This is an opportunity to share information and resources with our higher ed union siblings to put all of our unions in the strongest possible position at the bargaining table.

    Reach out to usa@umass.edu if you are interested in attending.

    See more details

  • Multi-Union Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    Multi-Union Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    February 27, 2026  9:00 am - 10:00 am

    The Multi-Union Health & Safety Committee meets the last Friday of the month from 9-10:00 am on Zoom.

    Members from any union on campus are welcome and encouraged to attend if they are interested in collaborating around health & safety issues that affect all staff members on campus.

    Please reach out to Casey Krone at ckrone@umass.edu for the calendar invite and Zoom link.

    See more details

• •
28

View Events Calendar page

Latest USA News

  • Hands Off Our Healthcare! Stop the GIC Cuts!February 5, 2026
  • Meet the USA Executive BoardJanuary 26, 2026
  • Growing Solidarity, USA’s Contract and More: USA’s Post-Summer Round-UpSeptember 28, 2025
  • Contract Corner 3: Management Retreats to DLR to Force MediationJune 18, 2025
  • Founder’s Day: Brought to You by UMass UnionsMay 26, 2025

Footer

This Week's Events

Click an event to view details

Monday, 09 February 2026
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)
    Monday, 09 February 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Tuesday, 10 February 2026
  • Hands Off Our Healthcare Rally and Press Conference
    Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Wednesday, 11 February 2026
  • Health & Safety Committee Meeting
    Wednesday, 11 February 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

  • Executive Board Meeting
    Wednesday, 11 February 2026  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Thursday, 12 February 2026
  • UMass Unions United (UUU)
    Thursday, 12 February 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

Follow us on social media!

Facebook logo Instagram logo

Union Links

  • MTA
  • MTA Benefits
  • NEA
  • PSU
  • MSP
  • AFSCME Local 1776
  • RAPMU
  • GEO UAW 2322
  • Mass AFLCIO
  • AFLCIO

Copyright University Staff Association © 2026 · Log in