Governor Baker: Stop holding essential worker pay hostage!
PAYMENTS FOR IN PERSON SERVICE RENDERED DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY IN JEOPARDY
Background
- These funds were appropriated by the General Court, Chapter 102 of the Acts of 2021, ss. 73 & 82, “… to issue direct financial support to eligible essential workers for in-person work performed during the State of Emergency declared by the Governor on March 10, 2020.”
- The “In Person” payments have been disbursed to four other bargaining units (MCOFU, AFSCME, SEIU Local 509 and NAGE) in the Commonwealth.
- Governor Baker and his administration are treating this as a negotiation rather than a legislatively mandated payment in recognition of unwavering service during a pandemic crisis.
- They are withholding Trooper “In Person” payments by trying to force their bargaining unit to withdraw, with prejudice, a completely separate arbitration case.
What is the Association Doing?
- Formulating an extensive public awareness campaign to expose this most recent attempt by the Baker Administration to diminish the job the Massachusetts State Police performs each day.
- Working with our supporters in the legislature to ensure that Troopers are compensated for pay that was earmarked for them.
What Can You Do?
- Understand that like you, we are fed up with the unrelenting attempts by the Governor and his staff to target and demoralize Troopers and our association.
- Forward this Call to Action to friends and family. This grassroot advocacy effort is intended to galvanize Troopers and those who suppport them and send a message to Governor Baker that this must stop!
- While Governor Baker does not appreciate the work that our Troopers perform daily, there are many in the legislature who do. They are the ones who included this “In Person” payment in a budget and they are the ones who can assist us in resolving the matter.
Troopers deserve this payment for exemplary performance during the height of the pandemic and you should be paid forthwith!
About the State Police Association of Massachusetts
The State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM) was formed in 1968 to represent and act as the exclusive bargaining agent for all members of the Uniformed Branch of the Department of State Police, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization is made up of all Troopers and Sergeants in the State Police. The Association represents its members in all procedures relating to wages, hours, standards of productivity and performance, and any other terms and conditions of employment, as well as issues relating to mutual aid which SPAM Troopers and Sergeants provide to communities across the Commonwealth.
State Police Association Of Massachusetts
The State Police Association of Massachusetts supports its members and their families while they face the challenges of one of the toughest careers in America: law enforcement. While Troopers are helping the public, the Association is helping its members cope with death, injuries, illness, and the daily dangers of the job. The Association provides emergency relief funds, scholarships, and grants to Troopers, their families and to members of the community. The Association also gives generously to various school and community programs across the Commonwealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM) was formed in 1968 to represent and act as the exclusive bargaining agent for all members of the Uniformed Branch of the Department of State Police, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as recognized and as described in Article I Section 2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between the Association and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in all subject matter and procedures relating to wages, hours, standards of productivity and performance, and any other terms and conditions of employment, and to all other subject matter concerning mutual aid and protection relating to employment.
SPAM promotes and develops a friendly and fraternal spirit among all of the bargaining unit members of the Uniformed Branch of the Department of State Police, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as recognized and described in Article I Section 2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between the Association and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SPAM preserves and fosters good-will with the citizens of all people, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and to encourage cooperative understandings and agreements with all organs, agencies, and officers of government concerned with the State Police for the mutual benefit of its members, to mitigate the hazards of the our work and the improvement of public service.
Executive Board Members
The State Police Association of Massachusetts Executive Board Members oversees the enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our Board Members conscientiously and diligently maintain oversight of strategic planning, long-range budgeting, financial interests, and overall operations.
Constitutional Officers
The State Police Association of Massachusetts has a dedicated group of experienced and professional staff members to administer the daily operations. Their collective commitment to the men and women of the State Police Association of Massachusetts spans several decades.
- Patrick McNamara, President
- Luke Bonin, Vice-President
- Christopher Donahue, Treasurer
- Matthew Kane, Secretary
Troop Representatives
- A – Dale C. Jenkins
- B – David Z. Podworski Sr.
- C – Jeffrey M. Gilbert
- D – Michael R. Halstead
- F – Scott Kearns
- GHQ – Jason E. Lambert
- H – Brendan Murphy
- SPEC-OPS – Paul A. Powell Jr.
- AG/DA – Christopher Johnson
- DIS – Thiago Miranda
- DHS/GEU – David M. Manning
Legal Representatives
- Labor Counsel – Paul T. Hynes
- General Counsel – Patrick M. Hanley
Office Support
- Teddy Stephanides – Business Support Specialist
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Routine patrol duties are never ‘routine.’ Danger can be found in every aspect of a Trooper’s job, from a traffic stop along the side of a highway to a manhunt for a serial killer. Massachusetts State Troopers risk their lives every day while serving and protecting you. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of their duties. A list of Massachusetts State Troopers who have been killed in the line of duty, along with links to websites that honor fallen law enforcement officers, can be found at the link below.