Despite the economic crisis and rumors that organizing would result in layoffs, on April 21 the 33 tutors in who work for the Farmington Board of Education (BOE) voted 17 to 7 to join UE. They’ll become part of Sub-local 60 of Connecticut’s statewide UE Local 222. The sub-local already includes the paraeducators, education secretaries, clerks, custodians and maintenance workers in the Farmington public schools.
The union plans to negotiate a roll-in so that the tutors come under the coverage of Sub-local 60’s existing contract with the BOE. Sub-local 60 President Pauline Wilson and UE Field Organizer John Woodruff got the organizing campaign started, and International Rep. Carol Lambiase guided the campaign through to completion.
The issues driving the organizing campaign were the needs for the protections of a contract, such as seniority, and a voice at the table when the school district makes decisions. Sub-local 60 members had negotiated a no-layoff provision, but school officials had imposed a pay freeze on the tutors with no commitment to avoid layoffs. Tutors also saw the need for the solidarity and mutual support that would come by being organized with their fellow school workers. “We were the only ones in the district not represented and it just made sense,” said tutor Janet Roach. “It’s a no-brainer,” added Katharine O’Brien.
Pauline Wilson thanked Carol Lambiase and John Woodruff “…for their wonderful leadership and support during this election process,” adding, ”The tutors kept their commitment in the weeks leading up to the election, and their ‘can do’ attitude showed on election day. I welcome them into our local and look forward to their active participation in our union. Congratulations!"