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Dear allies,
Leading up to Election Day, our partners were hard at work encouraging community members to cast their votes. We are proud to recognize their efforts to build a better future for our state and all its residents. Together, we took a stand for working families in Massachusetts. By sharing resources, getting out the vote, and speaking out on important issues, our actions impacted more than just our local neighborhoods. Together, we can implement change for Massachusetts and our greater communities.
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As the legislature debates and finalizes the use of ARPA funds, we urge them to put our communities and needs at the forefront by supporting funding for climate initiatives and funds for essential workers. We are also encouraged to see the passing of the federal infrastructure bill worth $1.2 trillion to fund the development of critical projects like transportation. We hope that the dissemination of this bill will create numerous jobs and provide necessary relief for working families.
November is Native American Heritage Month. This time provides an important opportunity to honor and recognize the cultures, identities, and voices of Native American people. To learn more about this month of recognition, visit Native American Heritage Month.
Below you will find opportunities to engage and continue the fight on many issues that affect our communities and allies. Please spread the word by sharing our Facebook posts as well as following and retweeting us on Twitter. You can sign up to receive regular updates from CLU.
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Op-ed: Transit affordability must be a top priority for Beacon Hill
In a recent op-ed, Monica Tibbits-Nutt, executive director of the 128 Business Council and former vice chair of the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board, Jen Benson, president of the Alliance for Business Leadership, and Jim Evers, president/business agent at Boston Carmen's Union, Local 589 called on Massachusetts legislators to pass H. 3526, An Act relative to low-income transit fares.
The piece highlights the urgent need for reduced fares, which would enable workers to find and commute to jobs and provide access to critical services. Read the full op-ed at WGBH.
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Igniting Justice and Progressive Power Book
Igniting Justice and Progressive Power, a book edited by David B. Reynolds and Louise Simmons, was published this June and details how long-lasting coalitions have built progressive power from the regional level on up. The book highlights our PowerSwitch Action (formerly Partnership for Working Families) affiliates and their projects, and us! Check out the book now and read the chapter that highlights Community Labor United by Penn Loh and Mark Erlich.
Penn Loh is the Director of the Master of Public Policy Program and Community Practice at Tufts University’s Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.
Mark Erlich is the former Vice-President of the Mass AFL-CIO and Mass Building Trades and retired Executive Secretary-Treasurer (EST) of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.
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NEU4J Office Move Fundraiser
After growing their team and introducing new wellness initiatives, our partners at NEU4J are relocating to a larger office space in Dorchester, MA. We are proud supporters of their efforts in child care, housing, civic engagement, worker organizing, leadership development, and more. NEU4J has launched a fundraising campaign to support their transition to this new space. Donate now!
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GreenRoots Awarded Mass General Brigham Grant
Congratulations to our partners at GreenRoots who were recently awarded a $1,050,000 grant from Mass General Brigham. These funds will help combat health disparities in Chelsea, which have been highlighted in the current climate of COVID-19. In addition to other initiatives, the grant will fund a community garden center to address food insecurity. This grant will also support workforce development opportunities by expanding local entrepreneurship and creating replicable models of business incubation and growth.
Read the recent GreenRoots report to learn more about health disparities and COVID-19 in Chelsea.
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The Fight for One Fair Wage
On November 8, our partners at Matahari Women Workers’ Center joined One Fair Wage to host a briefing on the impacts of subminimum wages for workers. The event included workers from various industries and backgrounds, including tipped restaurant workers, nail salon employees, and more, in addition to employers and policymakers. Together, attendees discussed the benefits of implementing a fair minimum wage across the country.
To watch the recorded livestream, visit One Fair Wage.
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Thank you for reading and taking action!
In Solidarity,
Community Labor United
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