We hope you’re keeping safe and well through all of this snow! (Learn more about our negotiated inclement weather policy here if you work at the Medical Center, by the way.) There are plenty of fresh posts on the SHARE blog if you’re looking for a cozy fireside read . . . or if, like most of us, you’re working to help keep Central Mass healthy right now, and you’re reading this during your break. Here’s a quick roundup . . .
Hazard Pay
Congress is currently on the “precipice” of a new stimulus package agreement, according to current news reports. The details are still being worked out, but the deal is likely to include stimulus checks for individuals and families. The SHARE Executive Boards recently urged Massachusetts lawmakers in the U.S. Senate to provide hazard pay to healthcare workers.
First COVID Vaccinations Administered at UMass Memorial
SHARE members who care directly for COVID patients have been among the first to receive the new vaccine, and the early reports are good. Marlborough hospital X-Ray Technologist Mitz DeSouza says, “It was a happy environment at the hospital yesterday -- everyone getting the vaccine seemed was optimistic.” Read more about his experience here.
SHARE member Sabrine Aakil describes her experience as a Lab Technician during COVID.
SHARE Members Making a Difference
The SHARE’d Stories spotlight focused recently on Medical Lab Technician Sabrine Aakil; she describes her experience processing COVID-19 test results for ED patients at Marlborough Hospital. Also, SHARE’s first Frontline Leader Fellow, Kona Enders, gives her report on her experience observing and participating in the day-to-day work of our union.
2021 Dues Rates Announced
Dues are an investment that union members make in themselves and their co-workers. AFSCME, SHARE’s parent union, has announced dues rates increases for the upcoming year. The 2021 regular weekly dues rate for SHARE members will be $9.60. That is an increase of eighteen cents per paycheck, or a little less than ½ cent per hour. For members working 20 hours/week, the 2021 weekly rate will be $7.19. The new rates will be reflected in the January 7 paycheck. Read more . . .
Janet Wilder, SHARE Lead Organizer, Wins Cushing-Gavin Award
And finally, we couldn’t be more pleased to announce that our own Janet Wilder is this year’s Labor Leader recipient of the Cushing-Gavin Award, which represents a crowning achievement of a life’s work of labor activism. Janet used the opportunity in her acceptance to describe the work of the unsung heroes on the frontlines our hospital, and to describe the value of Labor and Management forging strategic partnerships. During the event, UMass Memorial Senior VP and Chief Human Resources Officer Bart Metzger admired Janet for doing everything in her power to argue “relentlessly” for collaboration between management and staff . . . and for having “no compunction” about keeping management honest if they get lazy in their commitment to partnership. And MIT Management Professor explained that he’s observed “remarkable” work coming from Janet and SHARE over the years. Congratulations, Janet, and to everyone in the SHARE community!