We, the undersigned, demand that UMass Amherst cease its unfair labor practices and implement the Resident Assistant and Peer Mentor Union (UAW Local 2322) contract properly!

The RAPMU settled and ratified their contract in April 2019, with an agreed change in the payroll structure set for July 1st, 2019. Despite efforts to discuss the implementation of the new payroll system with the University, they never heard anything and it was not implemented in a timely manner. Instead, UMass unilaterally implemented an entirely different structure that essentially leads to a pay cut for our fellow workers!

When RAs and PMs met with University officials that have the ability to make decisions and logistical changes, they explained their misunderstanding and the Union and University agreed to put together a memorandum of agreement to reflect what the payroll structure should be. Everybody at the table was in agreement, and all of the relevant university officials agreed that the proposed implementation was logistically possible and scheduled a follow up meeting to go over the details.

Union representatives were surprised when they walked in and saw only two university officials: Maite Parsi from Labor Relations and Sara Littlecrow-Russel from student affairs, who completely slighted them and essentially said “too bad,” offering to reopen the issue for next year. Why do Maite and Sara think they can disrespect these workers, who stay up until 4 AM to talk to students having mental health crises, who find drunk students passed out in the bathroom and come to their rescue, who help guide students through the most difficult transitions and moments of their lives?

We support RAs and PMs in their fight. We stand in solidarity with them as they fight UMass through a grievance and Unfair Labor Practice charge to force UMass to stick to the contract, and stick to what’s right for the workers!