As we enter the holidays and 2022 comes to a close, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of pride as president of this great local.
I’m proud of the work we’ve done together, our key wins for working people. I’m proud of the important stances we’ve taken to improve worker safety, fairness, and equality. And I’m proud to call each and every one of you my union brothers and sisters.
This year, we saw early childhood educators at Boston University Children’s Center vote unanimously for their union and to unite in SEIU Local 888. BUCC teachers joined the ranks of workers all over the country who have decided to make positive change at their workplaces by coming together to organize their union.
We saw important wins on the political front, with many of our endorsed candidates securing office.
New tactics were implemented in 2022 to better position members in negotiations. This included bringing people together in sector meetings and leveraging wage scale surveys in places like Uxbridge and Boston. By thinking outside of the box, members were able to make big gains in contract negotiations.
City of Boston workers secured a new contract featured key wins, which are details in more detail in this newsletter. Most importantly, it put SEIU 888 in the driver’s seat for the next round of contracts. As the union representing the most employees in the city of Boston, this move was a critical recognition of our collective power.
These are just some of the great examples of the work we’ve done together this year. But what excites me the most? It’s the fact that we’re just getting started. Our wins this year are just the tip of the iceberg, and they are driving the momentum that will bring us even greater success at the bargaining table. That means real improvements in the lives of members.
2022 has left us with much to be grateful for. As we look to the new year, I am truly excited at the thought of the many great things we will accomplish together.
Wishing you all the best this holiday season.
Yours in Solidarity,
Tom McKeever
