NSLC January Newsletter
Closure of Medical Facilities in Mass.
Governor Healy’s most recent budget proposal for the state includes severe cuts to health social services. Included in this budget proposal would be staffing cuts for mental health professionals, decreased funding for substance abuse programs, and the full closure of two residential medical facilities. Under the governor’s plan, both the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton and the Pocasset Mental Health Center on Cape Cod would be closed. You can read more about the budget proposal in this Globe article.
President Lynch of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO commented on the closures that they “come at a time when our communities, children, parents, social workers, nurses, and educators are already struggling to navigate an overburdened mental health care system and a lack of affordable options for children with disabilities.” Our Council wholeheartedly supports President Lynch’s statement.
This scheme would not ameliorate the mental health crisis nor provide relief for overworked mental health professionals, it would only exacerbate the issues we already have. The Massachusetts Nurses Association is asking for community members to sign this position calling on the governor to reverse her proposal to close the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. Please take a moment to show your support by clicking this link, signing the petition, and sharing it for others to sign.
What’s Next for Labor?
How will a second Trump administration reshape labor and unions in Massachusetts and across the U.S.? Join us as we examine how the evolving political landscape could impact unions, working people and the ongoing struggle for racial, gender and economic justice. Together we will strategize effective ways to fight back and build power for workers and communities.
We encourage everyone to join the “What’s Next For Labor” forum, sponsored by the Merrimack Valley Central Labor Council, Umass Lowell Labor Education Program, and the Merrimack Valley Project. This event will take place from 9:00-1:30 on January 25 at University Crossing (220 Pawtucket St., Lowell, MA 01854) on the 2nd floor. There are free parking lots across the street from University Crossing with entrances off Salem Street and off Whitting Street. There are also metered spots and charging stations on Pawtucket St.
Spanish interpretation and childcare for children over 3 provided upon request. The event is free and all are welcome to attend!
Click here to register for the event.
Passing of Social Security Fairness Act
In early January President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law. This bill greatly extends social security benefits for millions of public sector workers that have unfairly had their benefits level reduced for decades. The bill was immediately hailed as a success for the working class and praised by numerous unions as an example of legislation aimed at improving the lives of everyday Americans. NSLC delegate Kevin Coman described the passing of the legislation as a “life changing event” that would “mend a 40 year mistake and restore to millions of Americans what is rightfully theirs.”
For the AFL-CIO’s full statement on the Social Security Fairness Act, you can read more here.
“WILD in the Winter” Conference:
The NSLC, along with the NSLC Women’s Committee, is proud to support the upcoming “WILD in the Winter” conference hosted by the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development on February 22nd. This year's theme is: "Women Braid the Movement to Create a Better Future." It's a great opportunity for you to meet new people, while engaging in educational trainings and discussions. Women interested in the event are encouraged to pre-register using this form.
Attack on Immigrant Workers
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler recently condemned President Trump for his numerous executive orders targeting immigrant workers. President Shuler said in her statement that the "The executive orders President Donald Trump signed amount to an unprecedented attack on immigrant workers and their families that will weaken our economy and our country." She continued to say "unions will fight to defend and preserve fundamental rights for all working families, including access to education and health care, as well as the birthright citizenship protections enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. We will join community allies to counter Trump’s unfair and unconstitutional attacks, so together we can ensure that everyone is safe on the job and can continue to build an economy that supports working families, not corporate billionaires. " To read the full statement, visit here.
There have already been reports of ICE raids in the Boston area since President Trump took office. To learn more about how unions can resist mass deportation efforts, we recommend these two article in Labor Notes:
"How Labor Can Fight Back Against Trump’s Mass Deportation Agenda"
"Want to Defend Immigrant Workers in Your Contract? Here Are Some Suggestions"