Over 250 UMass Workers Rally for Fair Wages!
Next stop: The Statehouse on November 20th

From USA president Sheila Gilmour: It was great to see so many members at our Fair Wages Now rally on Thursday, October 22nd. Leaders from most of the unions on campus took turns at the mic to explain how urgent this matter is, and what we need to do to win. Yes, we know that 30% is a big ask, but we’ve been underpaid for years while prices for basic necessities have skyrocketed. It’s been happening for so long that it’s going to take 30% to catch us up to where we should be and pull our members out of poverty.

If we’ve learned anything from the past, it’s that data and well-reasoned arguments do not win transformative contracts. Management and elected officials only act when they are compelled to, and our best leverage is people-power. That’s why it’s so important that you – yes, you PERSONALLY – make plans to get on the bus and come to the Statehouse with us on November 20th. The Governor will not be moved by a handful of union leaders, that much is clear, but she can’t ignore thousands of higher ed workers from all across the state showing up on Beacon Hill to demand her attention. I cannot stress this enough: we will only win what we fight for.

Please RSVP using the link below and select UMass Amherst (or whichever one is closest to you) as your bus location. I can provide union release time to USA members who are interested in attending, meaning you won’t need to use your own vacation or personal time to join us. Just email the USA Office at usa@umass.edu as soon as possible to get on the release time list!

USA in the News! 📰

MassLive: UMass Unions Call on Healey to answer rising cost of living with pay hike

WWLP-22 News (video): UMass Amherst workers rally for higher wages amid rising cost of living

Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass staff, faculty rally for higher pay

Amherst Wire: UMass Workers Rally for Higher Pay as Part of Statewide Campaign

NEPM: UMass Amherst union workers demand living wages at campus rally

We want your stories! What would fair wages mean to you?

As part of the Fair Wages Now! campaign, the Communications Committee would like to share member stories via social media and poster graphics. We have created a Google form to compile these stories and share your voice. These will be as anonymous as you prefer (all identifying questions in the form are optional). This form also has examples of what these posts/posters would look like.

Whether we commiserate together, fight together, hold strong together, or simply exist in our world alongside one another, you matter and your voice matters.

Reminder! Report anything related to Kronos or timekeeping to usakronoswatch@gmail.com so we can support you in fighting it! 

Management’s plan was to have USA members start punching in by September 8th. You and your coworkers have successfully disrupted their plans! We won, but the University will never admit that we won, so you and your coworkers must stay alert, especially if you work in Administration & Finance. UMass may still try to implement Kronos on a small scale, under-the-radar. Read the latest Kronos update on the USA website!

❄️ Winter Heating Resources & MTA Discounts

Don’t be left out in the cold this winter – assistance is available!

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP)

Massachusetts residents earning 60% or less of the state’s median income, based on household size, may qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The state is already taking applications for this program. For more information or to submit an application, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-home-energy-assistance-heap

Middle Income Assistance

If you heat your home with oil and your household earns higher than the 60% threshold to qualify for the LIHEAP, you may qualify for a one-time emergency payment of $680. The application process is expected to go live in December, but you can find out more about the one-time payment and be alerted when the application goes live by visiting https://www.mass.gov/info-details/middle-income-heating-oil-relief

Other Ways to Stay Warm:

• Maintain a consistent thermostat setting – constantly adjusting your thermostat puts undue stress on your heating system.
• Light up your home – Take advantage of sunny days by opening up your blinds and curtains during the day while you’re away.
• Check for drafts and air leaks – If you feel a draft coming into your house from your doors or windows, weather stripping and caulking are low cost ways to improve the efficiency of your home heating system.

Check the Mass Save website – if you live in a qualifying community and have National Grid, Eversource, or Berkshire Gas as your energy supplier, you may be eligible for additional assistance through Mass Save. For more information, take a look at the Mass Save website: https://www.masssave.com/en/about-us

With the holidays coming ever closer, USA/MTA wants to remind you that your MTA membership gives you discounts at shops like Broadside Books, museums across the state like the Emily Dickinson Museum and more!

Don’t know where your MTA membership card is? Use the MTA’s Contact form at https://www.massteacher.org/contact-us and select “Membership questions” as the subject to request a replacement card.

Some union members have also suggested:
Target Circle Teacher & Staff Discounts & Deals—Learn more here: https://www.target.com/l/target-circle-teacher-appreciation/-/N-2dktv

Michaels Crafts Teacher & Staff Discounts—Learn more here: https://www.michaels.com/teacher-discount

USA member Sharon Gardner put together a MTA Western MA Discounts spreadsheet!

Have another suggestion or recommendation? Let us know at usa@umass.edu!

✨ Upcoming Events & Workshops ✨

Contract 101: Research Methods, Language We Can Wieldand Language that Gets Weaponized Against Us

TODAY! October 26th, 12-1pm on Zoom

Join the Stewards Council to learn the basics of a union contract – how to read it and how to identify weak and strong contract language! With main-table bargaining just a few months away, this workshop is a great starting point for understanding the process at the bargaining table. With the knowledge provided in this 1-hour workshop, you’ll walk away with an understanding of the nuance of contract language, leading to more power at the bargaining table.

Lunch and Learn | Unions and Ballot Measure Campaigns

Tuesday October 27th, 12-1pm on Zoom

Join your fellow campus union members for a guided discussion and Q&A of what’s on the ballot this election season. Discuss how and why unions organize to get behind certain ballot questions, and what’s possible to win by leveraging force in state elections.

Bring your projects and handiwork for an hour of crafting and socializing! All UMass community members are welcome – not just USA members!

Monday November 9th, 12-1pm @ W.E.B. Du Bois Library, Room 1920 (19th Floor)

✨Special Crafting Circles ✨

Library Craft Fair, Bake Sale & Art Show
Tuesday November 17th,12-2pm, Du Bois Library RECESS (2nd floor)

Come hang out in the library with fellow crafters! Crafts and baked good will be for sale.

Crafting Circle: Statehouse Rally Edition
Friday November 20th, buses leaving from UMass Amherst, RSVP today!

Fight for your 30% raise AND craft on the bus to and from Boston with your union friends 🧶
What more could you ask for? Email the USA office at usa@umass.edu to learn more about release time!

If you’re interested in helping coordinate events or want to be added to the email list, please email Camille (cgodboutchou@umass.edu) and Deborah (dplace@umass.edu).

🍂 In case you missed it!🍂