by Andrea Lydick, MTA Board Member & USA Steward / Special Projects Coordinator I started at UMass in the fall of 2023 and was looking for ways to engage with The University Staff Association. I had seen the power of a union firsthand, as my partner was in an active union negotiating for substantial increases and benefits in his workplace. I took … [Read more...] about Organizing the Ivory Tower: My First Experience at MTA Summer Conference
News
Kronos Listening Session – first meeting scheduled June 2nd! Sign up as an SBR!
USA will begin meeting with management over the Kronos timekeeping and location tracking system on June 2nd, and we need you to join us as a Silent Bargaining Representative (SBR). If you’ve never served as an SBR before (or just want a refresher), you can learn more about the process on the SBR webpage. If you’re a returning SBR, you probably remember what an enlightening … [Read more...] about Kronos Listening Session – first meeting scheduled June 2nd! Sign up as an SBR!
One Time Too Far: A Reflection on the Murder of our Coworker, Emma
by an anonymous USA Member I knew her the way many knew her. We had emailed about catering, I met her at events, she was another coworker across campus. When Emma was murdered, at first, no one knew what to do. We just went back to work. Then the videos and stories started coming out. An abusive husband taking pride in beating his wife and the mother of his children to … [Read more...] about One Time Too Far: A Reflection on the Murder of our Coworker, Emma
Kronos and Chronos: An Essay on Time-Keeping and Staff Surveillance
by an anonymous USA Member Communications Committee note for further context: Last Wednesday on May 13th, over 140 USA members met together to discuss the potential implementation of the time-keeping software and location tracking system called Kronos for USA members in Administration & Finance (A & F). Management contacted your Executive Board earlier this month to … [Read more...] about Kronos and Chronos: An Essay on Time-Keeping and Staff Surveillance
May Day Megathread
This page contains information and scheduling surrounding May Day 2026 events held on campus and across the Pioneer Valley and will be updated as plans solidify. What is May Day? “May Day” or “International Workers Day,” is observed on May 1st and commemorates the struggles and wins throughout the history of the labor movement across the country and internationally. It's … [Read more...] about May Day Megathread
