About MISU

  Our Union was voted in overwhelmingly about twelve years ago. We ratified our first contract with the help of UPGWA, the United Plant Guard Workers of America. When the contract ended, however, we felt rather unsettled. UPGWA had been taking a significant part of our hard earned wages, without really involving us in the decision making process toward collective bargaining for better working conditions.  We made the bold and critical decision to vote out UPGWA. MISU was born as an Independent Union.

In the first contract campaign for MISU, our members used informational picketing to rally public support, without going on strike.  We handed out flyers on the sidewalk in front of the Museum, at City Hall, and at various other places. We always try to engage the public in a friendly, polite manner.  We ask them to contact Museum Director Malcolm Rogers and tell him to give us a fair deal. Public response to us has always been heartening.

Leafleting can be a bit daunting to some, but it is perfectly legal on public sidewalks. There is always a great feeling of fun and camaraderie. Some of us carry (surprise!) artistically painted signs. Once, we even had a small brass band on a platform belting out inspirational tunes. Local papers, and radio stations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island have reported on our activities. We have also collaborated with many community, college, and labor groups for mutual support. In our most recent campaign, we wore little stickers on our uniform lapels that read, “MISU LIVING WAGE.”  This small gesture had tremendous impact on Museum management. We used similar techniques and resources as they were needed for the second and third contract campaigns, with noteworthy success for the third.

Our Constitution was ratified in an open general meeting. It describes the purpose of the Union, how elections are held, and the job descriptions of the president, vice president, recording secretary, sergeant at arms, trustees, and stewards. Any member can run for these offices. All of them are interesting and worthwhile. Members of the executive board have also participated in the negotiations, always an exciting experience. The real negotiations often occur when the bargaining team meets periodically by itself in a caucus, to prepare counter-proposals to management.

Over the years, we have published a great many issues of Security Blanket, a fun and informative newsletter that brings us together and showcases our talents

Our present contract campaign is our most difficult and challenging yet!  We appeal to you, the public, to add your voice to our cause. (For more information, and to see how you can help, click here.)  By so doing, you actually strengthen the call for fair compensation and working conditions for all working people in our country.  Unions make America strong!

John Storrow