Agenda Summary
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In support of the Massachusetts State House Employee Union.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: The work of State House Legislative staff is vital to the proper functioning of government in supporting constituents and enacting good public policy, and a workplace which supports its staff with a strong, open, and respectful culture will directly benefit residents of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Since 2019, legislative staff have organized for necessary reforms to advance workplace equity; and
WHEREAS: On March 31, 2022, representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2222 notified the President of the Massachusetts Senate of the successful majority of authorization cards supporting the formation of a Massachusetts Senate staff union, and House staff are poised to follow suit; and
WHEREAS: Once recognized, the Massachusetts State House Employee Union will become the second state legislative staff union in the country, after Oregon in May 2021; and
WHEREAS: Staff organizers have identified several factors motivating the unionization effort, including the creation of a workplace free from discrimination and sexual harassment; health insurance coverage beginning on the first day of employment; fair and consistent pay grades across offices; measures to recruit, support, and retain a diverse workforce; clearly defined job roles and responsibilities; comprehensive professional development opportunities; and the right to collective bargaining to provide staff a voice in matters concerning their workplace; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts consistently support unions and organized labor, believing that every worker deserves a union; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council proclaims its support for the unionization efforts of legislative staff, and urge voluntary recognition of the Massachusetts State House Employee Union; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVE...
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