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University Staff Association

University Staff Association

University of Massachusetts Amherst
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  • Growing Solidarity, USA’s Contract and More: USA’s Post-Summer Round-Up

    Growing Solidarity, USA’s Contract and More: USA’s Post-Summer Round-Up

    The contract is settled, but USA is laying the foundation for the next few years.  By the University Staff Association (USA) Communications Committee  Just as quickly as summer started, the start of the Fall semester can feel like a whirlwind.  Thankfully, whether your summer was spent having fun in the sun or anxiously waiting for […]

  • MTA Annual Meeting 2025 Recap

    MTA Annual Meeting 2025 Recap

    By the University Staff Association (USA) Communications Committee This year, sixteen USA members were elected to attend the MTA Annual Meeting of Delegates – an event where MTA members from across the Commonwealth gather to discuss the organization’s budgets, elect representatives to regional and statewide director positions, and vote on policies and initiatives for the […]

  • USA Well-Represented at MTA ESP Conference

    USA Well-Represented at MTA ESP Conference

    By Kyle Chambers, University Staff Association (USA) Communications Committee Odds are, as a member of the University Staff Association, you’ve had the awkward conversation with an acquaintance where you casually bring up that you work at UMass Amherst. “Oh? Are you a professor/teacher/instructor/faculty member?““No...” And then follows the explanation of what you do, why you […]

  • The Strike Conference: Building Workers' Power Today

    The Strike Conference: Building Workers' Power Today

    By Camille Godbout-Chouinard, USA Communications Committee At the end of March, the UMass Amherst Labor Center ran The Strike Conference. Attended by many of the incoming USA board, the conference was an amazing opportunity to hear from unionized workers from many different sectors. Attending sessions and learning alongside dockworkers, nurses, hospitality workers, and assembly line […]

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Events Calendar

January 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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  • Organizing Committee Meeting

    Organizing Committee Meeting

    January 2, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Organizing Committee meets every Friday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    The committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract. They organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to attend a meeting, please reach out to the committee co-chairs: Ian Sedelow (isedelow@umass.edu), Adam Feldman (asfeldman@umass.edu), and Camille Godbout-Chouinard (cgodboutchou@umass.edu)

    See more details

•
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5
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    January 5, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM) meets every Monday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    MUM is a space to build solidarity with other union leaders from UMass Amherst, including faculty, staff, and students. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues at UMass Amherst.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
6
7
  • Communications Committee Meeting

    Communications Committee Meeting

    January 7, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Communications Committee meets every other Wednesday from 12-1 pm on Zoom. 

    The committee keeps membership informed and engaged through emails, newsletters, social media, the website, and more.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to the Communications Coordinator Deborah Place at dplace@umass.edu

    See more details

•
8
  • Federal Fightback

    Federal Fightback

    January 8, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    The Federal Fightback group meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    The Federal Fightback group is working to defend higher-ed workers like you from funding cuts and other attacks on our college and university campuses.

    If you’re interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to USA President Sheila Gilmour at sgilmour@umass.edu.

    See more details

•
9
  • UUU Classified Coalition

    UUU Classified Coalition

    January 9, 2026  10:00 am - 11:00 am

    The UMass Unions United (UUU) Classified Coalition meets every other Friday from 10-11 am on Zoom.

    Standing Agenda Items include:

    • Bargaining updates
    • Shared campaign updates
    • Upcoming trainings, events, and conferences 

    If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please contact our MTA Field Representative Anna Rose at arose@massteacher.org

    See more details

  • Organizing Committee Meeting

    Organizing Committee Meeting

    January 9, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Organizing Committee meets every Friday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    The committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract. They organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to attend a meeting, please reach out to the committee co-chairs: Ian Sedelow (isedelow@umass.edu), Adam Feldman (asfeldman@umass.edu), and Camille Godbout-Chouinard (cgodboutchou@umass.edu)

    See more details

• •
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12
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    January 12, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM) meets every Monday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    MUM is a space to build solidarity with other union leaders from UMass Amherst, including faculty, staff, and students. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues at UMass Amherst.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
13
14
  • Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    January 14, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Health & Safety Committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 1-2 pm over Zoom. 

    They work together to discuss and address health & safety related issues our members experience in the workplace. From mold, pests, and temperature issues to accessibility to snow and ice removal, the committee advocates for a safe working environment on campus!

    If you'd like to join or attend a meeting, please reach out to the Health & Safety Coordinator Casey Krone at ckrone@umass.edu

    See more details

  • Executive Board Meeting

    Executive Board Meeting

    January 14, 2026  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    The Executive Board meets every other Wednesday from 1-3 pm on Zoom and/or in-person.

    They discuss urgent issues on campus and beyond, provide committee updates, strategize around current union initiatives, and more.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

• •
15
  • UMass Unions United (UUU)

    UMass Unions United (UUU)

    January 15, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    UMass Unions United (UUU) meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    UUU is a space to build solidarity with union leaders from the other UMass campuses, including faculty and staff. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues on our campuses.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
16
  • Organizing Committee Meeting

    Organizing Committee Meeting

    January 16, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Organizing Committee meets every Friday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    The committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract. They organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to attend a meeting, please reach out to the committee co-chairs: Ian Sedelow (isedelow@umass.edu), Adam Feldman (asfeldman@umass.edu), and Camille Godbout-Chouinard (cgodboutchou@umass.edu)

    See more details

•
17
18
19
20
21
  • Communications Committee Meeting

    Communications Committee Meeting

    January 21, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Communications Committee meets every other Wednesday from 12-1 pm on Zoom. 

    The committee keeps membership informed and engaged through emails, newsletters, social media, the website, and more.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to the Communications Coordinator Deborah Place at dplace@umass.edu

    See more details

•
22
  • Federal Fightback

    Federal Fightback

    January 22, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    The Federal Fightback group meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    The Federal Fightback group is working to defend higher-ed workers like you from funding cuts and other attacks on our college and university campuses.

    If you’re interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to USA President Sheila Gilmour at sgilmour@umass.edu.

    See more details

•
23
  • Union Skills Winter Conference

    Union Skills Winter Conference

    January 23, 2026 - January 24, 2026  

    Date: Friday, January 23-24, 2026

    Where: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston

    Every winter, the MTA Division of Training & Professional Learning offers skill-building workshops for union activists and leaders.

    Learn more: https://massteacher.org/events-and-conferences/union-skills

    Union release time and reimbursement are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reach out to usa@umass.edu if you are interested in attending.

    See more details

  • HELC Bargaining Council

    HELC Bargaining Council

    January 23, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am

    HELC Bargaining Council meetings take place on Zoom on the fourth Friday of the month from 8:30-10:00 AM. Union release time is available.

    HELC Bargaining Council is a new group that is part of the Higher Ed Leadership Council (HELC) and will include Higher Ed union activists, both faculty and staff, from across the state. This is an opportunity to share information and resources with our higher ed union siblings to put all of our unions in the strongest possible position at the bargaining table.

    Reach out to usa@umass.edu if you are interested in attending.

    See more details

  • UUU Classified Coalition

    UUU Classified Coalition

    January 23, 2026  10:00 am - 11:00 am

    The UMass Unions United (UUU) Classified Coalition meets every other Friday from 10-11 am on Zoom.

    Standing Agenda Items include:

    • Bargaining updates
    • Shared campaign updates
    • Upcoming trainings, events, and conferences 

    If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please contact our MTA Field Representative Anna Rose at arose@massteacher.org

    See more details

  • Organizing Committee Meeting

    Organizing Committee Meeting

    January 23, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Organizing Committee meets every Friday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    The committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract. They organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to attend a meeting, please reach out to the committee co-chairs: Ian Sedelow (isedelow@umass.edu), Adam Feldman (asfeldman@umass.edu), and Camille Godbout-Chouinard (cgodboutchou@umass.edu)

    See more details

• • • •
24
  • Union Skills Winter Conference

    Union Skills Winter Conference

    January 23, 2026 - January 24, 2026  

    Date: Friday, January 23-24, 2026

    Where: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston

    Every winter, the MTA Division of Training & Professional Learning offers skill-building workshops for union activists and leaders.

    Learn more: https://massteacher.org/events-and-conferences/union-skills

    Union release time and reimbursement are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reach out to usa@umass.edu if you are interested in attending.

    See more details

•
25
26
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)

    January 26, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Multi-Union Momentum (MUM) meets every Monday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    MUM is a space to build solidarity with other union leaders from UMass Amherst, including faculty, staff, and students. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues at UMass Amherst.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

  • Stewards Council Meeting

    Stewards Council Meeting

    January 26, 2026  12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

    The Stewards Council meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 12-2 pm to discuss ongoing issues, coordinate on member outreach, and review sections of the USA contract.

    A district steward is the first line of defense for union members and serves as their direct connection to the union. Stewards enforce the contract, support members in the workplace, and represent them during Loudermill hearings. 

    If you're interested in becoming a steward, please contact Chief Steward Camille Godbout-Chouinard at cgodboutchou@umass.edu

    See more details

• •
27
28
  • Executive Board Meeting

    Executive Board Meeting

    January 28, 2026  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    The Executive Board meets every other Wednesday from 1-3 pm on Zoom and/or in-person.

    They discuss urgent issues on campus and beyond, provide committee updates, strategize around current union initiatives, and more.

    If you have any questions, please email the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
29
  • UMass Unions United (UUU)

    UMass Unions United (UUU)

    January 29, 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

    UMass Unions United (UUU) meets every other Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am on Zoom.

    UUU is a space to build solidarity with union leaders from the other UMass campuses, including faculty and staff. This group shares news and information that affects our members’ working conditions and strategizes coordinated responses to issues on our campuses.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to the USA office at usa@umass.edu

    See more details

•
30
  • Multi-Union Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    Multi-Union Health & Safety Committee Meeting

    January 30, 2026  9:00 am - 10:00 am

    The Multi-Union Health & Safety Committee meets the last Friday of the month from 9-10:00 am on Zoom.

    Members from any union on campus are welcome and encouraged to attend if they are interested in collaborating around health & safety issues that affect all staff members on campus.

    Please reach out to Casey Krone at ckrone@umass.edu for the calendar invite and Zoom link.

    See more details

  • Organizing Committee Meeting

    Organizing Committee Meeting

    January 30, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    The Organizing Committee meets every Friday from 12-1 pm on Zoom.

    The committee responds to challenges from management, the state government, or even the federal government that may affect union members or the contract. They organize events to support the bargaining team during contract negotiations and to defend the contract when it’s under threat.

    If you're interested in joining or would like to attend a meeting, please reach out to the committee co-chairs: Ian Sedelow (isedelow@umass.edu), Adam Feldman (asfeldman@umass.edu), and Camille Godbout-Chouinard (cgodboutchou@umass.edu)

    See more details

• •
31

View Events Calendar page

Latest USA News

  • Growing Solidarity, USA’s Contract and More: USA’s Post-Summer Round-UpSeptember 28, 2025
  • Contract Corner 3: Management Retreats to DLR to Force MediationJune 18, 2025
  • Founder’s Day: Brought to You by UMass UnionsMay 26, 2025
  • USA President-elect resigns from Greenfield City CouncilApril 25, 2025
  • USA Well-Represented at MTA ESP ConferenceApril 25, 2025

MTA News

  • MTA President Max Page's testimony before the Board of Higher Education
    December 9, 2025
  • State report supports wage hikes for public higher education staff, faculty
    December 9, 2025
  • MTA statement on interim report from the Statewide K-12 Graduation Council
    December 1, 2025
  • MTA President Max Page at Rally for Protecting Massachusetts Communities
    November 26, 2025
  • Standing Up for Educators and Students for 180 Years
    November 24, 2025

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This Week's Events

Click an event to view details

Friday, 02 January 2026
  • Organizing Committee Meeting
    Friday, 02 January 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Monday, 05 January 2026
  • Multi-Union Momentum (MUM)
    Monday, 05 January 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, 07 January 2026
  • Communications Committee Meeting
    Wednesday, 07 January 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Thursday, 08 January 2026
  • Federal Fightback
    Thursday, 08 January 2026  8:30 am - 9:30 am

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