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Dear friends,
The political rubber began hitting the road recently in Washington D.C. and at the state level, with new initiatives and changes in power. President Joe Biden has signed 28 executive orders ([link removed]) on a variety of issues including climate change, healthcare, police reform, immigration, and many others. We are encouraged to see several positive steps by this administration including eliminating inhumane family separation policy ([link removed]) at our borders, abolishing unjust and discriminatory housing practices ([link removed]) , and nixing federal contracts with private prisons ([link removed]) . As we celebrate Black History Month
([link removed]) , we see these as important steps in the right direction to bring about much-needed racial justice in our nation.
Our officials in Massachusetts, including Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito, must take lead from these efforts and our communities to affect change at the local level.
As our schools open back up for in-person learning, teachers are fighting for safe facilities to limit the transmission of COVID-19 ([link removed]) . We support their efforts and echo their demand for updated school facilities to ensure safe and healthy learning environments for our children. Our partners at MassCOSH are taking action to hold virtual townhalls on these very issues. Previously, we participated in their town hall for frontline childcare workers ([link removed]) to speak on the best strategies to stay safe during the pandemic.
Last fall, when the MBTA announced it was planning deep cuts to bus, train, ferry, and commuter rail service, the opposition was swift andvirtually unanimous ([link removed]) . Riders, workers ([link removed]) , elected officials ([link removed]) , andemployers ([link removed]) raised the alarm that MBTA cuts would make it harder for essential workers to get to their jobs, worsen unemployment
([link removed]) , disproportionately impact low-income people and communities of color, and take a deep and unnecessary toll on our region’s economic future. Despite the opposition, the MBTA board and the Baker/Polito administration went ahead with the cuts. They continue to cut service without revealing the savings ([link removed]) that they propagated as the major reason behind this move. Our communities deserve a safe, affordable, and accessible transit system, and the full MBTA service is critical for a just recovery from the pandemic.
Please help us spread the word by sharing our Facebook posts ([link removed]-) and following and retweeting us on Twitter ([link removed]-) . You can also receive regular updates from CLU by signing up on our website ([link removed]) .
Massachusetts Renews Launch: Fighting Together for a Just Massachusetts
Join us as we get together with our partners to launch the MA Renews Alliance to demand greater food, housing, and environmental justice for all vulnerable communities in the Commonwealth.
Thursday, February 11
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Join via Facebook Live @MassRenews ([link removed])
Boston Teachers Union Family Forum
BTU Family Forum will take place on Tuesday, February 9, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Please share these flyers – English ([link removed]) , Spanish ([link removed]) , Cape Verdean Creöle ([link removed]) , Haitian-Creöle ([link removed]) , Chinese ([link removed]) and Vietnamese ([link removed]) – with the families in your school community.
The 2/9 Forum is primarily for families. However, if as an educator you are inviting families and want to attend with them, we very much welcome your presence. The 2/9 Forum program will include listening to families' needs and concerns, identifying issues to advocate for together, and getting an update on school reopening.
Tuesday, February 9
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Register now! ([link removed])
Car Rally for North Suffolk Workers
Workers at North Suffolk Mental Health Association are headed to a union election! This group of essential workers staff close to 40 mental health and developmental disabilities group homes. They are frontline workers who put themselves at risk each day to care for the individuals they serve and have been organizing for fair pay, improved working conditions, and a voice on the job. On top of all this, they have been receiving anti-union messaging from management. SEIU 509 is hosting a car rally to show the staff that the community has their back and that they deserve a union! Find out more ([link removed]) .
Thursday, February 11
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
RSVP here ([link removed])
Town Hall: Vaccine & Worker Safety
Join MassCOSH for a town hall about COVID-19 vaccines and workers' right to a healthy and safe job in the pandemic.
Wednesday, February 17
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Find out more ([link removed])
Thank you for reading and taking action!
In Solidarity,
Community Labor United
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