Labor Center Reunion (October 9-11)

Autumn in Amherst provided the backdrop for a reunion of the Labor Center’s class of 2001, planned by classmates Pilar Schiavo and Amy Hall. Students who were in classes at the same time, ranging from the class of 2000 to the class of 2003, were invited. Pilar and Amy planned a couple of get-togethers, and provided lots of information about local events for the in-between times.

On Saturday evening, the Labor Center hosted a talk by Mark Brenner, director of Labor Notes, followed by a reception. In attendance were alums Pilar Schiavo ’01; Carolyn Marquez Meadows ’01; Amy Hall ’01; Michael Burns ’01 and his partner Carlin; Sean Barrett ’02; Heidi Zwicker ’02; Analiz Figueroa ’03 and her partner Tuck Young; Keiko Nomura ’03; Michelle McCord ’01; Kristy Tanguay Gomez ’01; and Doug Kandt ’02. Also in attendance were Stephanie Luce, acting director of the Labor Center; Beth Berry, assistant to the director; Harris Freeman, former Labor Center faculty and currently a member of the Commonwealth Employee Relations Board; current Labor Center students Sameerah Ahmad, Carey Collins, and Sarah Hughes; and prospective student Seth York.

As could be expected based on the varied backgrounds of the audience, a lively discussion followed Mark’s talk on the Current Economic Crisis and the Labor Movement’s Opportunity. After years of organizing for SEIU, Carolyn Marquez Meadows is a Community Outreach liaison with the Boston Public Schools. Pilar Schiavo, who has worked as Political Director for the San Francisco Central Labor Council, Oregon’s Labor Now in 2004 campaign, and the Organizing Institute, is currently working with the California Nurses Association. Michael Burns, who did organizing in New York City, then spent five years in England getting his Ph.D. in Film. Michael is now working on his third documentary, this one looking at post-traumatic stress disorder.

Heidi Zwicker, after years as the Executive Director of the Colorado Jobs with Justice, is now a stay at home mom, doing German-English translations. Sean Barrett, after years as the Public Policy and Research Coordinator for the Mountain West Council of Carpenters in Denver, spent a year as a stay at home dad and is now working with Workers United on a campaign in Philadelphia. Kristy Tanguay Gomez began in the Public Policy Department at the AFL-CIO and moved into the Political Department, and now takes care of her son full time. Doug Kandt studied Spanish in Central America, worked at the AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Center in Ecuador, and then AFSCME. He then went back to school for a Master’s degree in International Development from American University and then did labor monitoring for a government agency. Michelle McCord works in the Political Department of SEIU’s State Employees Association in New Hampshire. Analiz Figueroa does community organizing with Service Workers United in the Bronx, where she and Tuck live behind Yankee Stadium. Amy Hall is the Western Regional Director of SEIU’s Committee on Interns and Residents.

Michael Burns said, “It was fantastic to see everyone again, and to be reminded about what the Labor Center stands for. It’s a place where activists, organizers, and researchers can talk about the most critical issues facing the economy and the workers that make it run. Nothing could be more important than that.”

Radicals at Work

Several Labor Center alumni have helped put together a new website for labor activists — “Radicals at Work”. The site launched in the summer of 2009 as a place for young activists to share stories and news, contribute articles, and have conversation and debate about issues related to work and the labor movement.

We come from many jobs and communities – we are young rank and file workers, office workers, union and non-profit staff, activists working with workers centers, students, and teachers. We have a shared commitment to grassroots democracy and a workers movement that takes on racism, sexism, homophobia and isn’t afraid to go head-to-head with the boss.

Recent feature articles include an interview with a tattoo artist, update on immigration policy, how-to tips on creating an effective flyer, and the impact of the recession on young workers.

Check out the site.

Welcome back!

We’re getting ready to start the Fall 2009 semester at the Labor Center. We have a great new group of students: Sameerah Ahmad, Mary Likins, Lauren Arsenault, Sarah Hughes, Heather LaPenn, Elvis Méndez, Andy Santos, and David Wemhoener. Tom Juravich will return to teaching after a semester off from teaching. Eve Weinbaum is still on medical leave, but recovering well and spending the semester in Argentina with her family where her husband Max Page is on a Fulbright fellowship.

This summer we hosted another session of our limited-residency program, which took place for 10 days in July. We had almost 40 students, from a wide range of unions and organizations including AFSCME, IBEW, SEIU, IAM, Teamsters, Carpenters, UNITE HERE, as well as Sweatfree Communities and the Labor Party. Twelve students were here for their last semester, as they will now work on their final papers and then graduate! This has been a tough year for the labor movement, and we’re proud that folks from all different places can come together at UMass for engaging and respectful debate, intellectual exchange, and fun.

We’ve been working all summer to update our alumni directory, and we’re pleased that it’s now ready to distribute. We’ve also heard from some alums from the class of 2001 who want to come back for a reunion, so this October 9-11 we’ll be hosting the Labor Center classes of 2000 to 2003 for a dinner, activities, and a keynote talk by Mark Brenner on “Labor and the Economic Crisis.” If you’d like to join us please send me an e-mail. Our limited-residency students are also looking to start regular alumni events, and are planning the first one for next summer, July 2010. Stay tuned for more information!

The other big event on the calendar is the Future of Work conference, scheduled for November 20 at Gordon Hall. The Labor Center received a grant from the state legislature to study the future of work in the state. We commissioned seven studies relating to different aspects of immigration and work in Massachusetts. The scholars will present their work on November 20, and we’ll have time to discuss the implications for organizing and activism around immigrant rights.

Finally, I end with some sad news. Many of you may already know that Sara Muzzey is no longer on the Labor Center staff. Unfortunately, due to the economic climate and a tighter budget, we were not able to renew Sara’s contract this summer. We will miss her!

Stephanie Luce
Acting Director

Alumnus Appointed to Kentucky Workforce Investment Board

Benny Adair, a Labor Center graduate and Business Representative for IAM District 154, was recently selected by Gov. Steve Beshear to serve on the new Kentucky Workforce Investment Board. The KWIB will advise the Gov. on workforce issues such as training and education, retooling, and infrastructure needs. These efforts will prepare workers for 21st century jobs and help attract businesses to the state. Adair is excited about his new position and believes he is prepared to meet the challenge:

“The experience and education I acquired at UMass has opened so many doors and opportunities. My union job has given me the ability to live the American dream; my education assures that I have the knowledge and capabilities to be successful with whatever life brings my way.”