North Shore Labor Council Monthly Update: May 2024

NEXT NSLC DELEGATE'S MEETING: WEDNESDAY JUNE 26 @ 7 PM. Women's Committee meeting will be held before the NSLC Delegate's meeting @ 6 PM.

NSLC Hire New Organizer Jordan Rogers

On behalf of the North Shore Labor Council, we would like to extend a special welcome and congratulations to Jordan Rogers. Through a vigorous interview process, Jordan stood out as a young, energetic organizer with great experience in the labor movement. For the past 2 years, Jordan has served as a business agent for Unite-Here NEJB, holding 16 contracts encompassing 2,000 members in the manufacturing, textile, and distribution industries. Prior to that, he was a Organizer for CMRJB Workers United. Jordan’s expected start date is June 17th.

NSLC Swears in Two New Delegates

A second special welcome to new delegates of the North Shore Consortium, Local 4293 AFT-MA. Both Ziegler and Petronzio sit on their local’s executive board and have worked diligently to build their organizing capacity by getting members involved. We’re lucky to have them!

Jake Ziegler - President

Danny Petronzio - Vice President, Professionals

May 1: May Day Celebration

To commemorate International Workers Day, several local labor unions and community groups came together. In solidarity, they marched from city hall to the Federick Douglas Bandstand and Ampitheatre on the Commons. In total, about 150 activists attended the action with several speakers. While all speakers were powerful, a special shout-out to newly organized Fleet Logix workers, who recently affiliated with Local 201. Solidarity!

May 6: MMEU demands fair, transparent bargaining from Marblehead Administrators

NSLC delegates picketed in solidarity with Labor Council Executive Board member and Marblehead Municipal Workers President Terri Tauro in their fight for a fair contract. Despite stall tactics and disingenuous bargaining from the town administration, Tauro and her members protested outside the first night of the annual town meeting, demanding greater transparency while outlining why municipal employees require a meaningful COLA raise. You can read Tauro’s full statement here and a write up of the action here. The town would go on to indefinitely postpone the bargaining articles.

May 10th: Legislative Breakfast

Each year the North Shore Labor Council organizes at least 1 legislative event where NSLC delegates and area affiliate advocate for legislation on behalf of their membership. This year, the Labor Council collaborated with the Building Trades for a Legislative Breakfast at Toscana Forno in Peabody. The event was a success with 63 guests in total. Of those in attendance, there were 32 elected officials and 31 union representatives.

MA AFL-CIO recognizes Two of Our Own

At the annual AFL-CIO Education Conference in May, outgoing Representative Capano (IUE-CWA Local 201, retired) and NSLC Vice President and Retired AFMTA President Beth Kontos were honored for their years of service to the labor movement. They are joined below by NSLC Treasurer Nefty Alvarez of Local 201.

New Lynn Coalition Honors Attorney Jim Carrigan, Marjie Crosby, and Lynn’s “Unsung Heroes”

The New Lynn Coalition honored Jim Carrigan for his many years of service to workers, unions, and our community. Jim has helped the council and area unions with everything from parliamentary procedure and bylaws to injuries on the job, and electoral campaigns to get union members in office. The ceremony also honored unsung heroes of Lynn, including NSLC Trustee Marjie Crosby. Marjie is a warrior for the labor council. She delivers food as a union retiree in the New Lynn Food Aid program every week. She's a leading activist in every election season, served for many years on the Executive Board, and is a solidarity soldier who shows up for every picket line, and a leader in her own Boston Teachers Union. Marjie is a unifier, loved by every member of the North Shore Labor Council. Congratulations Jim and Marjie.

May 11: Stamp out Hunger

On May 11, volunteers from the North Shore Labor Council assisted Labor Council delegate, Frank Quartarone, and his union brothers and sisters from the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 7. Together, they were able to “STAMP OUT HUNGER” by organizing and sorting thousands of nonperishable goods donated to My Brother’s Table. Familiar faces pictured below are Julie Curtis, Quartarone, Sandy Anshewitz, Terri Tauro, Marjie Crosby, and Jeff Crosby. Together they raised 17,225 pounds for families in need, 325 pounds greater than last year. All proceeds went to local food banks, including Salvation Army of Lynn.

T-Shirts! Come and Get your Solidarity T-Shirts!

NSLC is still accepting orders for our spiffy T-Shirts and Polos. The order will be sent soon. Pre-order yours HERE, we will not be ordering extra shirts so if you want one you must pre-order ASAP.

Join NSLC on Sunday June 9th on Salem Common!

From NSLC Eboard and MMEU President Terri Tauro:

“I have set up a team for the Walk for HAWC named “North Shore Labor Council.” Use the link HERE to register as a walker, runner or even virtual participant! If you can afford more than the $30 registration fee, there is a place toward the end of the process where you can increase the donation.”

Join the following events hosted by the UMASS-Lowell Labor Resource Center. Questions Email Elizabeth_Pellerito@uml.edu

MOMA exhibit on UAW; The Last Cruze

Finally, check out these inspiring images taken by NSLC VP Beth Kontos on a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. The exhibit is “A monument to the working-class people in this country,” as depicted by photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier. According to the artist’s statement, “The Last Cruze was created in solidarity with the United Auto Workers Locals 1112 and 1714 in Lordstown, Ohio…Here more than 60 portraits of white, Black, and Latinx workers as well as images of factory labor are paired with printed excerpts from interviews Frazier conducted.” If you happen to be in NYC, check it out! If not, much of the photos and descriptions can be found online, here.