University Staff Association

University Staff Association

University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Committees and Councils – OLD

Learn about the many committees that USA has to offer:

Click the title of any committee to learn about time commitment and process to join.

Stewards Council

Chief Steward: Camille Godbout-Chouinard

The Stewards Council consists of the district stewards, Chief Steward, and is often attended by our MTA Representative, the USA President or Vice President, and other members of the Executive Board as needed. The Council meets monthly to discuss ongoing issues, coordinate on member outreach, and review sections of the USA contract. Currently, our members are divided into 13 districts, making each District Steward responsible for representing 50-100 members, based on their primary work location. Find out your district and steward here!

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. The steward is the face of the union for their district with the important role of being directly in touch with members to support and empower them in their workplaces.  A contract is only as strong as it can be enforced – otherwise it’s just a packet of paper. As members and stewards identify and address contract violations, we can hold the University accountable and maintain our rights as employees. The Stewards Council also allows us to be a bottom-up union that engages its members to inform our union’s mission and priorities.

Negotiations Committee

The Negotiations Committee is the elected body of USA members tasked with handling the collective bargaining process between USA and University management.  Some of the duties of the Negotiations Committee include:

  • Defining the strategy of the bargaining team in contract negotiations;
  • Developing proposals related to wages, working conditions, and other mandatory and permissive subjects of bargaining
  • Coordinating with the Communications Committee, Organizing Committee, Silent Bargaining Representatives (SBRs) and other groups to build support and leverage for established bargaining platforms

The Bargaining Team is a subgroup of the Negotiations Committee charged with directly negotiating with the employer during collective bargaining.  Members of the Negotiation Committee are permitted to serve alongside other USA members and allies as Silent Bargaining Representatives (SBRs), who participate in bargaining caucuses and silently represent USA at the bargaining table.  These are not observers – they are duly appointed and recognized by the USA Executive Board to be present in negotiations, in accordance with Belmont School Committee v. Belmont Education Association.


Communications/Public Relations Committee

Coordinator: Deborah Place

The Communications Committee is a group of rank-and-file volunteers facilitated by the elected coordinator who work together to keep you and your coworkers informed and engaged with the union through emails, newsletters, social media, the website, and more!


Political Action/Social Justice Committee

Coordinator: Tim Pyne

The Political Action/Social Justice Committee shall plan, develop, and promote activities as appropriate to further the civil and human rights of employees and other members of the University community and actively work to promote diversity, while addressing issues relating to classism, racism, and gender equity. It shall have a broad concern for state and national legislation and for the University and state administrative rule making and policy formation affecting the interests of the Union. The committee shall also develop and/or coordinate proposals for the continued education of Union members, including proposals related to the Career Ladder and Workplace Education Programs.

The Committee shall encourage members to exercise their civil and political rights and shall keep them informed of new legislation, administrative and state rule making and policy formation. Finally, the committee shall work to establish effective cooperative relationships among employees and community organizations. The Committee shall also develop and promote activities as appropriate to further the civil and human rights of employees and other members of the University community, address issues relating to classism, promote diversity, and establish effective cooperative relationships among employees and community organizations. The Political Action/Social Justice Coordinator shall chair this committee.


Health and Safety Committee

Coordinator: Casey Krone

The Health & Safety Committee is a group of rank-and-file volunteers facilitated by the elected coordinator who 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 Health & Safety committee advocates for a safe working environment on campus!

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 1-2pm over Zoom and work asynchronously in between meetings. The time commitment varies but mostly involves attending committee meetings and occasionally other projects as determined by the committee. We’d love to have you join us!  Please reach out to Casey Krone at ckrone@umass.edu or on Teams to express interest or if you have any questions.

Organizing Committee

Chairs: Ian Sedelow, Camille Godbout-Chouinard, Adam Feldman

The Organizing Committee (formerly known as CAT) is a group of volunteers who organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat. These actions can include:

  • Rallies
  • Informational pickets
  • Marches
  • Other public demonstrations

Organizing Committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee, which shall be chaired by the Treasurer, shall prepare an annual budget for approval by the Executive Committee, retain an auditor and affix the compensation of said auditor, make recommendations pertaining to the long-term investments of funds and assist the Treasurer in preparing financial statements.


Grievance Committee

Grievance Officer: Ian Sedelow

The Grievance Committee shall organize and expedite all grievances from first step through arbitration. It shall develop and refine the grievance process. The Grievance Committee shall consist of the Grievance Officer, the Chief Steward and Steward ttCouncil Co-chair (if appointed).


Classification Committee

The Classification Committee shall assist members with upgrades up to and including appeals to the Civil Service Commission and work with the President and Vice President on matters pertaining to job classifications. Committee members will assist the Classification Specialist to monitor and track all campus vacancies.


Research Committee


Retired Members Committee

The Retired Members Committee shall make recommendations regarding the interests of the Union’s retired members and retired bargaining unit employees. The Retired Members Committee and its members may consult with other committees.