About SUMMUP

The acronym SUMMUP originally stood for the “Statewide Unification Of Mass Mental Health Union Policy” when the organization was first formed in the early 1950’s. At the heart of the organization was Howard Doyle, a business agent for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) charged with organizing the employees working in mental health institutions in Massachusetts.

Howard did exactly that, beginning with Danvers State Hospital, which was the site for Local 700. As he continued to organize locals an idea was born in his mind: Wouldn’t it be a great thing to bring the leadership of all the various local unions in this jurisdiction together monthly to share information and to strategize?

Others liked the idea, and in 1955 SUMMUP was born. The first convention was held in Worcester at Holy Cross College. Officers were elected and regular meetings scheduled, and the organizing continued.

As the years progressed, Mental Retardation locals also became a part of the group, eventually Public Health Locals merged with SUMMUP in the early 1880’s, and DYS followed later. The name stretched to SUMMUP/DMR/DPH/DYS.

Monthly meetings continued, giving delegates a chance to receive training and to share ideas and experiences. Annual conventions continued and a weekend-long Spring Training program was added. SUMMUP continued to flourish into a strong and respected organization that didn’t forget those who were important to the organization. SUMMUP even established it’s own Legal Defense Fund.

SUMMUP offers many awards and scholarships in memory of those who came before us: Howard Doyle, M. Michael Botelho, Laura Spencer, Linda Chigas and Brian Stickler. They are still honored yearly during an award ceremony and their spirits live on in our hearts.

In the mid- to late 1990’s there was talk of changing the name, since there were now so many locals from so many agencies. It was decided to keep the name SUMMUP, since it was so well known, and to change the phrase under a new logo to read, ”A Caucus of Human Service Locals under AFSCME Council 93.”

The Executive Board was made up of five table officers, four Vice Presidents, eight board seats and an at-large seat at one time. In the late 1990’s Local 2880, a DOC local representing Unit 2 storekeepers, decided to affiliate with SUMMUP. This prompted more discussions.

The decision was made to combine DYS, DOC, and other groups who may affiliate in the future, into one jurisdiction to be known as ”Other States”.

The board structure was also changed and remains as five table officers, four Vice Presidents, and four board seats (one for each jurisdiction of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Public Health, and Other States), for a total of 13.

SUMMUP is a unique organization since its locals are under the umbrella of AFSCME Council 93, but also pay per capita to SUMMUP, which runs its own meetings, trainings, and other functions. SUMMUP and AFSCME Council 93 work very closely together when it comes to training, negotiations, and other endeavors that will aid in educating and assisting our members to grow the union stronger.