Sign up for a site accountOn Thursday, September 27, 2007 Chrys Zarazinski who was at the MAssachusetts AFL/CIO convention representing local 1153 had the opportunity to witness a moment in history as Governor Patrick signed into law the "Majority Authorization Bill" while speaking to the delegates.
The new law will allow public sector workers to join unions with a "card check" option, instead of having to hold elections to get a union at their workplace.
The Governor stated that "the law is about leveling the playing field between labor and management". "This is only the first step in making sure organized labor improves the lives of millions of more workers."
Patrick went on to speak about the fact that whether advocating for tighter restrictions on child labor,better working conditions or standards, eight hour days, etc., unions have done much to improve the lives or ordinary workers, and will now be able to do more.
The bargaining committee met with the state on 5/8/08 and an agreement to establish 3 working committees on language was reached. There will be also a "MAP" committee and various agency committees that will meet later into the process also to discuss departmental issues seperately.
On 5/14/08 the union will caucus to ste up members of the new committees agreed on do updates on the work that has been done thus far.
Shortly after that date they will be joined by representatives from the state side and will begin to negotiate proposed language changes changes,deletions, and additions in these three committees.
Main Table topics involving economics have been placed on hold until the state can make proposals dealing with monies. That should happen by the end of June.
Westboro on the Bargaining Committee are Chrys Zarazinski and Pat Spagnuolo.
The September SUMMUP meeting in Auburn has been moved to September 26. Remember: The Golf Tournamnet in Wakefield is September 19th.
