UPDATE: Harvard Graduate Student Union – UAW Local 5118 votes to end Strike, but their fight for a fair contract continues. CLICK HERE for press release

After 14 months of contract negotiations and nearly a year without an active contract, over 4,000 workers represented by the Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU-UAW Local 5118) launched a strike of indefinite length today. This move follows a strike authorization vote in which 79% of the union’s voting-eligible members participated, with 96% voting in favor. Graduate student workers will suspend teaching and research labor until Harvard’s bargaining team takes substantive action in addressing the union’s key issues: pay that keeps pace with the rising cost of living, recourse for harassment and discrimination, support for non-citizen students, protections for academic freedom, and “fair share fees” to equitably distribute the expenses of union representation, among others.

“We tried to have faith in the bargaining process, but, after 14 months, it has become clear that our only option is to strike,” said Evan Lemire, PhD Candidate in Population Health Sciences and union Executive Board member. “Our work is not sustainable and our community is not safe without the protections we are advocating for. Harvard must understand that the university is built on our labor, and that labor is not guaranteed.”

Local 2222 knows the difficulties of a strike, and we know what it feels like to have the support of fellow Union members. 2222 was on the line on day 1.

After a 58-year career, the last 38 as Business Manager of IBEW Local 2222, Myles Calvey has decided to step down from the job he loved, effective immediately. Every member and retiree of Local 2222 has benefited from Myles’s leadership, knowledge, and friendship.

There are not enough words to adequately express the immense gratitude we have for him. Congratulations, Myles, and we wish nothing but the best for you and your family as you embark on this next chapter of your life.

Per the IBEW Constitution, when an elected official vacates their position, the Local’s Executive Board shall appoint a successor to fulfill the remainder of the term.

The Executive Board of IBEW Local 2222 met this week and elected the following:

• Replacing Myles Calvey as Business Manager/Financial Secretary – Kevin Holland
• Replacing Kevin Holland as President – Paul English (Paul will continue as Assistant Business Manager)
• Replacing Keith Bonasoro as CO Representative on the Executive Board – Windy Hogan
• Business Manager Kevin Holland appointed Keith Bonasoro as Assistant Business Manager

The System Council T6 locals’ members in New England have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the tentative agreement to extend the Verizon contract. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this important process.

Named in honor of longtime IBEW 2222 Business Agent Eddie Hastings, the Eddie Hastings Service Award will be presented to Local 2222 members who go above and beyond in service to others. Eddie lived to help others, both at his job and in all areas of his life. If you know of a member who exemplifies commitment to service, please fill out the nomination form below. All nominations will be reviewed and voted on by the Executive Board. Winners will receive a plaque, and have a $100 dollar donation in their name, and in Eddie’s memory, to a charity of their choice.

Members Name *

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Your Name *

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Last

Work Location *

Members you Your

Brief description of why you are nominating this member for the Eddie! *

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IBEW T-6 and Verizon reach an agreement on a 50% discount for Verizon Wireless plans for active employees

The IBEW 2222 Committee On Political Education (C.O.P.E.) discussed requests for endorsement and financial support for candidates seeking office. The committee has unanimously agreed to continue our policy of endorsing only those officials and candidates who actively support our organization and our efforts.

We are focusing our endorsements on Senate and Legislative candidates who have signed on to our Bills to organize State House Legislative staffers. Moreover, it is important for candidates to express their support for our bill aiming to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers. These bills are necessary not only for the long-term survival of our local but also for the well-being of our members and bargaining team in the event of a strike.

We believe that the success of these legislative efforts is crucial for our Union, and we invite you to join us in our efforts. Your support can make a significant impact on the success of our bills.

If you have not done so already, please consider joining COPE and contributing to these efforts. Your involvement will play a crucial role in advancing our cause and ensuring that we have elected officials who genuinely support the needs and concerns of our Members and their families.

Name *

First

Last

Date *

Last 4 of SSN (Please - only last 4) *

IBEW Local No. *22222222

Electronic Signature - Type Your Name *

Amount *$0.00$1.00$3.00$5.00$7.00$9.00

Name Your of

Consent *

• I hereby authorize the company to deduct from any pay the amount indicated above for each pay period worked and to forward that amount to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Committee on Political Education. This authorization is given voluntarily and not out of any fear of reprisal and on the understanding that IBEW-COPE is engaged in a joint fund raising effort with the AFL-CIO, will use the money contributed to that effort to make political contributions and expenditures in connection with federal and state elections, and that this voluntary authoriztion may be revoked at anytime by notifying the company in writing of a desire to do so. Contributions or gifts to IBEW-COPE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

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If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact COPE at IBEW2222cope@gmail.com 

Pam Cox, Executive Director, Environment, Health, and Safety for VZ, emailed employees last year with information related to blood testing to detect the presence of lead. Very few members have been tested, but of those who have, some have been found to have elevated lead levels. For your safety, if you have worked around lead, get tested.

To set up a test, please CLICK HERE, or see your supervisor. Each employee will have up to 4 hours of paid time to complete the test.

Please see your steward or call the Union Office with any questions. 617-929-6000