SHARE Honors Veterans

SHARE members know that, contrary to stereotypes, military veterans are not just tough individuals. We know that your experiences in challenging environments can foster a unique understanding of the importance of giving care. We know all of that, in part, because so many SHARE members are veterans themselves!

To all of our veterans, SHARE thanks you for your service, and for the unique skills and sensibilities that you bring to our hospital.

SHARE Benefits & the Holiday

Although Veterans Day is an important time to stop and pause, to reflect and honor, it’s also true that the work of our hospital can’t stop, not even for a second. SHARE continually negotiates for as many people to be off as possible on days like this one, but most departments will remain open.

We’re grateful to all of you who continue the important work of our hospital through the holiday. For information about how holiday pay works, see page 56 of the SHARE contract (or the highlights below).

Perks and Services for Veterans

We do hope that our veterans are able to take advantage of the ways that our community recognizes your commitment to our country. Here are lists of freebies and benefits from the local Patch website and from military.com in honor of Veterans Day. Service can sometimes create ongoing demands on veterans, of course, so please also know that there is a wide range of local services designated to help you.

“When SHARE Members Work a Holiday

Holiday Differential: SHARE members who work any of the four minor holidays shall receive the holiday differential of $0.85 for each hour worked on the holiday. The minor holidays are Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Major

…

Hour-For-Hour Holiday Bank Time for Holiday Worked: When a SHARE member works a holiday, holiday bank hours are placed in their holiday or earned bank for later use. The number of hours you earn will be the greater of: the number of hours that you work on the holiday, or 1/5 your scheduled weekly hours.

….

Holiday Benefit when you are Off for the Holiday

Holiday Benefit for Non-Worked Holiday: SHARE members receive a holiday benefit of 1/5 their scheduled weekly hours….”
— Excerpts from the Holiday Policy, which starts of page 56 of the SHARE – UMass Memorial contract

Couillard Scholarship for PCAs and LPNs

Are you pursuing a nursing degree? SHARE has just learned that the following scholarship opportunity is being made available through UMass Memorial.

Please note that the application deadline is almost here: Friday, November 10!

from the UMass Memorial Department of Nursing Professional Development . . .

On behalf of the Couillard Fund, we have an exciting announcement for Medical Center PCA and LPN Caregivers! 

The Couillard Fund, in collaboration with the Department of Nursing, is excited to be awarding four (4) Couillard Fund nursing scholarships to full time and part time PCA and LPN caregivers who are currently enrolled in a nursing program leading to RN licensure.  We want to encourage those who are working to pursue or advance their nursing practice to apply for this unique opportunity. 

Each scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2500 which will be paid directly to the winner’s school. 

Submissions can be completed using the online survey monkey link

or paper application below. 


All submissions should be completed by the applicant and emailed to nursingexcellence@umassmemorial.org and/or completed online by November 10, 2023. 

 

Winners will be announced before the end of calendar year 2023. 

We look forward to reviewing your application! 



Open Enrollment DEADLINE FRIDAY!

Tips and Tools FOR YOU AND YOUR CO-WORKERS

Everyone must respond!

As you probably know, this year there’s a shortened Open Enrollment period, and the hospital is requiring ALL employees to make benefits choices.

What Members Are Saying

SHARE is working hard to make sure that no one goes without Health Insurance. We’ve had hundreds of conversations over the past week to see how things are going. Most members say it’s easy, and the Benefits hotline is helpful to answer questions. But some members have run into surprises . . .

Don’t Delay! Enroll Now!

Some members say that they come across decisions that they hadn’t anticipated; for example, they had to talk through decisions about orthodontics coverage with other members of their family, and were glad they enrolled early enough to have time for that.

See It Through

Other members have been surprised that they were still listed as un-enrolled: they had forgotten to click “Submit” at the end of the process. If you have not gotten an email confirmation about your benefits elections, log back in to http://mybenefits.umassmemorial.org/ and make sure you’re done.

Make It Easy On Yourself

Members who’ve had the easiest time enrolling have generally based this year’s choices off of their previous choices. You can easily review your current benefits right in the app. (See the photo below for the phone view.)

Thank you to everyone who’s helping to make sure that everyone in our community gets signed up during Open Enrollment this year. If you have co-workers who still need to sign up, they can point their phone’s camera at the above QR code. That’ll take them straight to the Benefits site. Or, log into http://mybenefits.umassmemorial.org/

Keep In Touch

If you have tips, or if you’re running into problems or questions that the Benefits Office can’t help with, let SHARE know!

SHARE Updates: Retirement Planning, Open Enrollment, and More

Raise time is a good time to start — or increasE — your 401K deduction

Take good care of your future self by taking advantage of UMass Memorial’s 401k contribution match!

Some SHARE members choose this time to increase their contribution because they say they won't miss the money as much if the deduction starts at the same time as the raise. UMass Memorial adds $.50 for each dollar you contribute to your 401k, matching up to 2% of your pay. Learn more here.

required action: Open Enrollment

Monday, October 16 — Friday, October 27

Please note that the hospital is requiring ALL employees to enroll in benefits elections during this year’s shortened open-enrollment period. SHARE is advocating that no one should lose health insurance if they fail to update their choices, but the employer currently maintains that no enrollment = no coverage.

For more information, please see this message from UMass Memorial Hospital.

Rental Assistance Program Kicks Off

The popularity of SHARE’s new Rental Assistance Program has been massive, and is offering much-needed financial support at a time when many SHARE members need it most. The spike in Central Massachusetts rental costs has made it so hard to produce first-,last- and security deposit, but this loan aims to address this need. Please note that the loan is only applicable to those members actively moving to a new place: UMass Five Credit Union may require proof-of-lease to approve this low-interest loan.

Visit the SHARE website for more about the Rental Assistance Loan

Free Covid-19 Test Kits

Since September 25, every U.S. household has again become eligible to place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Order your free kits from covid.gov

* Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.

The SHARE Unit Based Team (UBT) at Barre Family Health Center only began in April of 2022, but has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the pioneering Teams to achieve Level 3 on the Path to Performance.

. . . and the Vascular office has just become one of the very first teams to reach Level 4 UBT status. Congratulations on charting the way!

ICYMI: All UMass Memorial Employees Must Enroll, Oct 16-27

Please note: ALL SHARE members must take action to enroll for benefits during this year’s shortened open-enrollment period

In case you missed it: the following important information comes from the UMass Memorial Benefits Office . . .

Open enrollment is on the way! Watch for more information coming soon, including the open enrollment package that will be sent to your home. 
 
What’s in store for 2024

  • Action Required: Everyone Must Enroll! During this year’s open enrollment period, UMass Memorial benefits-eligible employees must enroll in benefits between Monday, October 16 and Friday, October 27. Note the window is shorter this year, so be sure to enroll by October 27!

  •  No Enrollment = No Coverage. If you do not enroll, you will not be covered in 2024 for medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA) or voluntary benefits (such as legal assistance, supplemental life, disability insurance and others. 

If you miss this open enrollment window, you will not have the opportunity to enroll again until 2025 (unless you have a qualifying life event).

  • Read through your 2024 Benefits Guide when you receive it to make informed benefits decisions and learn how UMass Memorial Health provides our caregivers with value at every stage of your life.

  • 2024 Changes: The life, disability and leave management vendor is changing to Reliance Matrix. More details will be provided in the 2024 Benefits Guide that will be mailed to your home prior to open enrollment, which will also include new rate information.

 
What you need to do

  • Review your 2024 Benefits Guide prior to making plan selections.

  • Be sure to make your plan selections for 2024 coverage OR decline coverage by October 27.

  • Employees will need to provide documentation during open enrollment, such as marriage and birth certificates in order to enroll spouses and dependents (see entity-specific details below).

    • For Worcester-based, Marlborough Hospital and HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital caregivers: You will only need to provide this documentation if you’re enrolling in benefits for the first time or adding a new spouse or dependent.

    • For Community Healthlink and Harrington caregivers: Since this is your first enrollment as part of the system, you must provide this documentation for your spouse and dependents at the time of enrollment in order for them to have coverage.


Questions about this year’s open enrollment?
Please call the UMass Memorial Open Enrollment Support Center at 877-295-2577.

Raise Time Is a Good Time to Evaluate Your Retirement Strategy

Raise time is a good time to think about starting or increasing your 401K deduction

Some SHARE members choose this time to increase their contribution because they say they won't miss the money as much if the deduction starts at the same time as the raise. UMass Memorial adds $.50 for each dollar you contribute to your 401k, matching up to 2% of your pay.

an Early Start Is Part of a Wise Retirement Strategy

While all SHARE members automatically accrue toward retirement through the Defined Benefit Pension, the UMass Memorial 401k plan allows you to save for retirement, pre-tax, with UMass Memorial contributing too. If you’ve been to a SHARE Retirement Training, you know that experts retirement say we should think of a solid retirement income as a three-legged stool, with the pension serving as one leg, Social Security as a second leg, and your total savings functioning as the third leg. The younger you start, the less you have to take out of your check each week to reach your goals.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Memorial CT Technologist and SHARE Co-President Jay Hagan has served as a member of the SHARE team that has negotiated with management about the current retirement benefits. “I think a lot of SHARE members don’t realize they’re leaving money on the table if they don't save through the 401k,” he says. “My financial advisor tells me, 'if you can afford it, the employer-match is really free money.' You could think of it as the hospital paying you to participate. If you don't use the match, it's like giving the money back.”

Have Questions?

If you have questions about SHARE’s negotiated retirement benefits, please contact the SHARE office. If you have questions about your own 401k, contact Fidelity Investments at 800-343-0860, or log on to your Fidelity account at www.fidelity.com/atwork.

***

It’s always easy to find other ways to spend your money, but be sure to show some compassion to your future self, too. That person will be grateful that the “current you” took advantage of the employer’s match, and socked away some money for yourself in your 401k. Check out these resources . . .

  • This article explains the value of compound interest, and why investing now gives you so much more than investing later.

  • Fidelity NetBenefits provides this individualized investment calculator that can help you understand just how different contribution amounts affect your long-term investments.

  • So many decisions! Seem like too much? Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University tackles the subject of “decision fatigue” in episode 8 of her podcast, The Happiness Lab. (She talks about the subject of 401k’s around minute 14 of the broadcast.)

  • And it may seem silly to literally imagine your future self, but that can actually be useful to your financial health, according to this report.

If you recognize this post, good eye! We’ve re-printed this here from before on the SHARE blog, with some revisions. It’s just such a useful annual reminder!

SHARE Updates: Upcoming Raises & The Benefits of Unions

First, a correction: we provided an incorrect email address in the last update. To contact SHARE, including to request a copy of the new contract if you’re unable to make it to a contract distribution event, please email us at share.comment@theshareunion.org.

You can also call and leave a message with the SHARE office: 508-929-4020. We apologize for any inconvenience from the mistake.

October Raises

The next raise is coming soon! The raise will be effective 10/1/23, and reflected in the first paycheck after that date.

Your raise will be 5% of your current pay, or $1.25 per hour, whichever amount is larger.

For more information about the structure of the raise, and how to calculate your own, check out this page about raises.

Many more of the most common questions are answered in this FAQ from the last contract negotiations, including:

  • How was the raise amount decided?

  • How does the raise compare?

  • What if I believe my pay is still too low?

  • Do health insurance and union dues increases eat up my raise?

  • and more . . .

Have more questions? Contact your area SHARE Rep or a SHARE Organizer!

Treasury Department Releases First-Of-Its-Kind Report on Benefits of Unions to the U.S. Economy

The U.S. Treasury Department recently released its most comprehensive ever look at the role that labor unions play in the American economy with a new report.

Turns out, many of the benefits of unionization that we experience right here in SHARE are having the same effects nationwide. Key findings of the report include:

  • Unions raise the wages of their members by 10 to 15 percent. Unions also improve fringe benefits and workplace procedures such as retirement plans, workplace grievance policies, and predictable scheduling.

  • Unionization also has spillover effects that extend well beyond union workers.

  • The diverse demographics of modern union membership mean that the benefits of any policy that strengthens today’s unions would be felt across the population.

  • Finally, in addition to supporting the middle class, unions contribute to economic growth and resilience. And unions can boost businesses’ productivity by improving working environments and by giving experienced workers more of an input into decisions that design better and more cost-effective workplace procedures. 

For more, read the full press release.

Back Up Childcare for UMass Memorial Employees

The SHARE office recently received the following information from Bright Horizons for parents and caregivers at UMass Memorial Hospital . . .

bright horizons back up care

Holidays, breaks, professional development days — no matter the no-school reason, Bright Horizons can help you figure it all out. Your Bright Horizons Back-Up Care™ benefit makes life easier with reliable, high-quality child care options.

Click to Register & Reserve Care

Benefits of Back-Up Care  

Why take advantage of back-up care?
It makes life easier, with:  

  • Convenient child care options in nearby centers or at home

  • High-quality care that fills in whenever your regular care falls through

  • An affordable solution you can rely on

  • Easy booking with speedy reservations under 90 seconds for last-minute care gaps or in advance  

Click to receive Bright Horizons Text Alerts 

SHARE Updates: Contract Events, Childcare, Educational Opportunities, and More . . .

CONTRACT DISTRIBUTION EVENTS

Want to curl up with a paper version of the contract in front of the fire?

Get your copy of the red book — and talk with SHARE Organizers about any questions you’ve got — at an upcoming Contract Distribution Event.

  • UNIVERSITY — Tuesday, Sept 12 — Prescription Center hallway (aka “four corners”) — 11:30-1:30

  • MEMORIAL — Tuesday, Sept 19 — across from Cafeteria — 11:30-1:30

If you’d like a SHARE Rep to bring copies of the contract to your department or worksite, please contact SHARE.

Backup Childcare through Bright Horizons

In conjunction with UMass Memorial Hospital, Bright Horizons provides a backup childcare option to employees for holidays, breaks, professional development days, and more. Find more information and apply here.

FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

In last week’s email update, we pointed out that Quinsigamond Community College is working together with the MassReconnect program to offer the opportunity to earn free Associate Degrees and certificates for adults twenty-five years and older. But! The MassReconnect program isn’t limited to QCC: the MassReconnect program means that ALL 15 community colleges in Massachusetts are FREE to students who qualify for this program! Learn more here.

Federal Student Loan Repayments Resume in October

After a pause during the pandemic, federal student loans have again begun accruing interest, and payments will need to be made again beginning in October, to the frustration of many.

Find information and resources for union members belonging to AFSCME (SHARE’s parent union) in this message on the SHARE Blog.

The entire SHARE Contract Bargaining Agreement with UMass Memorial is online

Use the above link to zoom in, read, and print the information you need.

Make it easy, using your browser’s search tools and the SHARE site FAQ’s.



Federal Student Loan Repayments Resume in October

The following message comes from SHARE’s parent union, AFSCME, and includes helpful information and resources for union members with outstanding student loans from the federal government.

For scholarship and financial aid resources available to SHARE members, see blog posts labeled #Scholarships and #Education

Dear AFSCME Family,

As many of you know, most federal student loan borrowers have had their payments paused since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 emergency. This student loan relief has come to an end and will not be extended. The accrual of interest on federal student loans resumed on September 1, 2023, and loan payments will become due in October 2023.

We know that many of you, as well as members of your family, are student loan borrowers. We also know that the transition back to paying student loans may be challenging or confusing for some.

If you are a student loan borrower, here are 6 ways you can prepare:

1. Update your contact information with your loan servicer and at StudentAid.gov.

2. Review information about your next payment. This information can be found on your billing statement or by contacting your loan servicer.

3. Use the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator to make sure you are on the best repayment plan, especially if your financial situation has changed.

4. Consider applying for, or switching to a new, income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. An IDR plan can make your monthly payment more affordable. Borrowers who consistently make monthly payments may see their debt forgiven after a certain number of years. The Biden administration recently announced as new IDR plan – Saving on Valuable Education (SAVE) – that will help more than 20 million American borrowers.

5. If you cannot afford a repayment plan right now, contact your loan servicer to discuss short term relief options, such as deferment or forbearance. Make certain you understand how these options may affect your loan, loan payments and eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and IDR plans.

6. Understand what may happen if you don’t repay your loan. While delinquent payments can have a negative impact on your finances, the Biden administration has instituted a 12-month “on-ramp” period – October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024 – to reduce the impact on borrowers who are not able to resume their loan payments immediately. During this period, borrowers will not be considered delinquent, be reported to the credit bureaus, placed in default, or referred to debt collection agencies. However, borrowers should be aware that delinquent loan payments will continue to accrue interest and may impact when you qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or an IDR plan.

Our union wants to make sure you have the resources you need to successfully restart your loan payments. Visit AFSCME’s Student Debt Resources for additional and updated information, including information about the new SAVE plan and the 12-month repayment “on-ramp” period.

SHARE Contract Distribution Events & Online Link

The entire SHARE Contract Bargaining Agreement with UMass Memorial is online.

Use the above link to zoom in, read, and print the information you need.

Make it easy, using your browser’s search tools and the SHARE site FAQ’s.

Contract Distribution Events

Want to curl up with a paper version of the contract in front of the fire?

Get your copy of the red book — and talk with SHARE Organizers about any questions you’ve got — at an upcoming Contract Distribution Event.

  • UNIVERSITY — Tuesday, Sept 12 — Prescription Center hallway (aka “four corners”) — 11:30-1:30

  • MEMORIAL — Tuesday, Sept 19 — across from Cafeteria — 11:30-1:30

If you’d like a SHARE Rep to bring copies of the contract to your department or worksite, please contact SHARE.

SHARE Labor Day Updates

Happy Labor Day! We hope you’re enjoying the sunshine today, and grateful to those SHARE members who are working on the holiday to take care of patients and our hospital.

Have We Lost the Spirit of Labor Day?

That’s the question asked in this short piece about the history and meaning of Labor Day, who points out that workers’ concerns and needs continue to evolve.

You still sometimes hear claims that unions have outlived their relevance. But SHARE members know that — even with good bosses, in good workplaces — concerns with working conditions continue. Only an independent source of power like a union can provide safe and effective ways for workers’ voices to consistently make a difference at work.

MassReconnect: Free Community College

Quinsigamond Community College is offering the opportunity to earn free Associate Degrees and certificates for adults twenty-five years and older. For more details, and to apply to learn more, visit QCC’s MassReconnect website.

Finding What You Need

The fully-searchable SHARE contract is now online, and distribution events for paper copies will be announced very soon. But do you know how to find what you want to know on the SHARE website?

The site is full of other useful information. We recently added a guide to applying for Leaves of Absence to the “Getting Help” page, for example. You can find that, and a whole lot more, by using the site’s search tools. Still have questions? Contact us!

SHARE Contract Is Now Online

Good news! The most recent SHARE-UMass Memorial Contract Agreement is now available!

Coming soon: Get Your Copy of the Red Book

Fresh copies of the latest contract agreement have just arrived from the printer. We’ll soon announce details about contract distribution events if you’d like a hard copy.

What Do Members Most Want to Know?

Want to learn about the most commonly-asked about (and overlooked) aspects of the contract?

Of course, you can always contact your SHARE Organizer or area Rep for help.

😉

SHARE Updates: Free Surgical Tech Certificate Program, Health Fair, and More

Read on for a series of updates from UMass Memorial that are important to SHARE members . . .

Updates from UMass Memorial Leadership

  • The ARE deadline has been extended to August 31st.  This is an important Joint Commission requirement.  Please be sure to complete them prior to the deadline.

  • Family Fun Day, September 10th 3:00pm-7:00 – for details, please check for an email sent from UMass Memorial on August 2nd.  Be sure to register to reserve your spot. 

Federal Department of Labor Puts the Spotlight on SHARE UBTs

UBTs get Kudos in National Forum

At the recent online “Power of Partnerships” event — held by the Federal Department of Labor for a nationwide audience — Facilitator Javier Ramirez asked professor Peter Lazes (author of “From the Ground Up: How Frontline Staff Can Save America’s Healthcare”) to give a high-level view of how labor-management partnership can be used to address challenges in healthcare.

In his response, Dr. Lazes jumped right into a description of the SHARE-UMass Memorial Unit Based Teams. Dr. Lazes described how front-line SHARE members are able to carve time out of the schedule to solve problems in working conditions, specifically pointing out how the UBTs have given frontline employees better access to the equipment they need, and reduced patient wait times, thereby reducing frustrations for everyone.

UBT shout-out in Federal Publication

UBTs were also featured in a recent Federal Department of Labor bulletin. Congratulations to the Outpatient Psych department UBT, and especially to SHARE member Wanda Dyer, who is quoted there saying, “The Labor-Management Partnership between the hospital and the SHARE union allowed us to be involved in a Unit Based Team (UBT) where I was comfortable talking about the challenges in the workflow.”

Louise Bachand and Wanda Dyer at the recent SHARE UBT Fair



SHARE Partnership Special: New Videos, UBTs in the National Spotlight, and More!

SHARE has designed, negotiated for, and cultivated the Unit Based Team program as a powerful way for members to be directly involved in the design of our own work. This special newsletter highlights exciting developments since the recent success of the UBT Fair.

SHARE Members on Youtube

With the help of our parent union, AFSCME, we’ve developed three short videos featuring SHARE members who describe what UBTs are, the successes they’ve had, and how the teams make a difference in their work.

All three UBT videos are now prominently featured on the SHARE homepage. Check them out! See anybody you know?

UBTs in the National Spotlight

The US Department of Labor has highlighted the Unit Based Teams in a few of their recent publications and presentations. Read more on the SHARE blog . . .

Congratulations to SHARE member Wanda Dyer, who was quoted in a recent nationwide DOL bulletin, where Wanda describes, “The Labor-Management Partnership between the hospital and the SHARE union allowed us to be involved in a Unit Based Team (UBT) where I was comfortable talking about the challenges in the workflow.

New UBT Coaches

The joint labor-management SHARE-UMass Memorial Partnership Office is growing! UBT experts Will Erickson and Stephanie Pepi have recently been joined by two new UBT Coaches: Jackie Zhou and Joan Perreault. Both have previously worked at UMass Memorial, already demonstrate exceptional skills, and we think they’re fantastic. They’re eager to help support SHARE members to make the current teams stronger and expand UBTs so that even more SHARE members can participate. Welcome Jackie and Joan! We’re excited you’re here!

Welcome to new UBT Coaches Jackie Zhou and Joan Perreault!

SHARE Updates: Tuition Reimbursement and Home Ownership Help

Tuition reimbursement: Increased and expanded

The new Tuition Reimbursement and loan repayment assistance policy in the SHARE contract negotiated last Fall increases the amount of money available to a full-time SHARE member from $2000 to $5250 per year. In addition, what’s eligible for reimbursement has expanded from just college courses to include certificate programs, and to include student debt repayment.

For more information, read the full new contract language regarding tuition reimbursement. To talk to someone with your questions, call the UMass Memorial Benefits Contact Center @ 508-334-8511.

DEADLINE Next week! Affordable Home Ownership Opportunities with Habitat for Humanity

ICYMI, UMass Memorial Hospital recently announced that Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester is offering two affordable homeownership opportunities in Sturbridge and Worcester for individuals and families within specific income brackets. If you are in need and meet the eligibility criteria, this could be an excellent opportunity for you. UMass Memorial Health is proud to have partnered with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester on these projects to support more affordable housing in our region. Through our Anchor Mission, we provided investment to support the construction of the Sturbridge home, and our physicians volunteered in the construction of the Worcester home. Read more on the SHARE website . . .

Habitat for Humanity home nearing completion in Sturbridge

Union Plus Benefits: Home Ownership Help and More

If you’re not making use of Union Plus benefits, you might be missing out. Union Plus can help with home ownership through the Mortgage Assistance program and the Save My Home Hotline, not to mention personal loans and legal assistance. By being a member of a union, you’re also eligible for discounts negotiated on your behalf — from flowers to car rental to movie tickets — and much, much more . . .

Affordable Homeownership Opportunities with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester

In case you missed it, SHARE encourages you to take note of the opportunities described in the following notice sent from UMass Memorial Hospital.

Habitat-for-Humanity home becoming available in Sturbridge

Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester is offering two affordable homeownership opportunities in Sturbridge and Worcester for individuals and families within specific income brackets. If you are in need and meet the eligibility criteria, this could be an excellent opportunity for you. UMass Memorial Health is proud to have partnered with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester on these projects to support more affordable housing in our region. Through our Anchor Mission, we provided investment to support the construction of the Sturbridge home, and our physicians volunteered in the construction of the Worcester home.

Worcester: Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications for a single-family, attached, 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Worcester. This home is suitable for a household size of three to eight individuals, with a maximum of four bedrooms. Veterans will be given preference during the selection process. Applications for this opportunity are being accepted from now until July 10, 2023. Learn more about the Worcester home.

Sturbridge: Habitat for Humanity is also currently accepting applications for a single family, 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Sturbridge. The home is suitable for a household size of three to eight individuals, depending on specific household composition. To be eligible, the applicant's household income must be at least 30% but no more than 60% of the current U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) Worcester median income for their household size. The maximum selling price is currently set at $233,200, subject to change based on the selected applicant's eligible income. Applications for this opportunity are being accepted from now until August 6, 2023. Habitat for Humanity is conducting one-hour information sessions to explain the application process and details of this housing program. Learn more about the Sturbridge home.

To qualify for either of these affordable homeownership opportunities, applicants must meet specific criteria. For more information and to access the application, please visit the Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester website. Habitat for Humanity's Sturbridge home under construction.

Honoring Juneteenth

Right-click the above image to save it and add it to your email signature to demonstrate to the UMass Memorial community that you value the importance of the Juneteenth holiday.

June nineteenth recognizes an important event in realizing the full emancipation of slaves in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation officially served to end slavery, it took over two years for the words of that statement to be fully enacted. June 19th, 1865 marks the day when, in Galveston, Texas, “union Army General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived to formally inform the enslaved Black and African American people of Galveston and Texas — about a quarter of a million people — that the Emancipation Proclamation had freed them.” (Learn more about the event here.)

Ever since, Juneteenth has been celebrated as a kind of second Independence Day, or Black Independence Day, with its earliest origins in black communities in the American South. The day became officially recognized in Massachusetts in 2007, and became a federal holiday in 2021. You can celebrate locally at events such as Worcester’s annual Black Heritage Festival.

Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin. Credit: Austin History Center. Learn more at the The National Museum of African American History and Culture

SHARE values the importance of this day, recognizing the legacy of racism in our country, and the important ways that the labor movement and the rights of BIPOC people (black people, indigenous people, and people of color) have been intertwined, and we will continue to work toward policies, pay structures, and cultural values that foster racial equity in our community right here. 

IMPORTANT EFFECTS OF MASSACHUSETTS’ JUNETEENTH OBSERVANCE

UMass Chan Medical School has already added the holiday to its list of official holidays. The State’s new legal designation also adds June 19th to the list of dates recognized under Massachusetts’ “Blue Laws,” thereby creating time-off and premium pay requirements for retail employers.  

NO CHANGE TO HOLIDAY SCHEDULE AT UMASS MEMORIAL 

Most employers, however, including our hospital, are not legally obligated to recognize the federal holiday. Although we urge the hospital to officially recognize this important day, government designations do not affect the current agreement that SHARE and UMass Memorial about the holiday schedule. (See Contract Page 56 for the holiday policy). 

According to a memo from Dr. Brian Gibbs, UMass Memorial Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer — sent to all caregivers on the occasion of Juneteenth 2022 —  “we are exploring all options to celebrate this important holiday in the future.” During contract negotiations last year, SHARE proposed that Juneteenth to be added to the list of holidays for SHARE members as part of our contract agreement. The hospital turned down the SHARE proposal, and told the SHARE Negotiating Team that they continue to evaluate the possibility of establishing the day as a paid holiday for the entire UMass Memorial community.

The SHARE Union / 50 Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01604 / Phone: (508) 929-4020 / Fax: (508) 929-4040