Women’s History Month
Dear friends and allies,
This Women’s History Month, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of many women who have paved the path for progress and prosperity for women all over the world. We applaud their, often invisible, efforts that have shaped the history of our nation. As we honor the legacy of those who have come before us, we must also stand in solidarity with those who continue the work in the women’s rights movement.
While inching closer toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget the unique struggles that women have faced during this pandemic. Specifically, the pandemic’s child care challenges are causing women, particularly Black and Latinx women, to drop out of the workforce or reduce their work hours. While formulating ways to distribute federal stimulus funds, we must address the needs of women and incorporate meaningful solutions that will enable them to (re)enter the workforce and support their families. Our Care That Works coalition is working in this space and we welcome you to join our efforts.
— Dolores Huerta
Below, you will find opportunities to engage and continue the fight on many issues that affect working-class families in our state, as well as in our country. Please help us spread the word by sharing our Facebook posts as well as following and retweeting us on Twitter. You can also receive regular updates from CLU by signing up on our website.
Public Transit is a Public Good
Getting by is harder than ever during the pandemic — and so is getting around. While so many people in our Commonwealth are struggling during this time of extreme need, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito are making it worse. They have supported moves to slash the MBTA, and the administration even vetoed a bill that would have helped low-income people afford to ride transit. Join the Public Transit Public Good coalition in calling Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito, and urge them to reverse the cuts and ensure that transit is affordable for all of us.
We also recently launched a sweeping advertising campaign, drawing attention to the harsh impact of the cuts on low-income communities and communities of color who are already disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Watch our ad here and read about it in State House News Service, MassLive, and News Break.
Now Hiring: Care That Works Pilot Program Coordinator
Our Care That Works coalition is looking for a Pilot Coordinator to assist with the ongoing work of making our nonstandard hour child care pilot program a success. This is a 1-year position, 20 hours a week, with a potential of staying on longer.
View the job description and apply now.
MCRA 2021 Story Collection
Since the beginning of COVID-19, essential workers have been struggling to stay afloat, whether it regarded child care, housing, or public education – all while urging the MA legislature to provide a more equitable reopening plan. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Alliance would like to capture the stories of those directly impacted and affected by COVID-19. Join against the fight today and tell by sharing your story of how COVID-19 has affected your life, family, and/or employment.
Matahari: Ask your legislators to support eliminating sub-minimum wages!
Recently, the One Fair Wage bill was filed with the Massachusetts legislature to end the sub-minimum wage for restaurant workers. Thanks to Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) and Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield) & Brandy Fluker-Oakley (D-Mattapan), HD. 3462 & SD. 1811 are ready for co-sponsors. This represents a big step forward as we fight for a $15 minimum wage plus tips for service workers but as always it is only one piece of the puzzle. Send a letter to urge your legislators to cosponsor the bill using Matahari’s quick advocacy tool.
Matahari: Vaccine Access for all Domestic Workers
Significantly, a majority of domestic workers are women of color, and we have seen in Massachusetts how immigrant communities of color have been the state’s hardest-hit during COVID-19. Join the Matahari Workers’ Center by taking action and signing their letter to urge Governor Baker to call for the inclusion of ALL domestic workers in Phase 2 of the state’s vaccination rollout.
Recover, Organize, Empower: Celebrating Lunar New Year and International Women’s Day
Join the Chinese Progressive Association to celebrate Lunar New Year and International Women’s Day. The event will feature a lion dance performance, remarks from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, honoring essential women workers, & hear from community members about CPA’s work as we move into the Year of the Ox. In this new year, we will continue to fight for an equitable recovery from the pandemic and to continue our decades-long work to build a multiracial movement for racial & economic justice.
Mon, March 8, 2021
5:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m.
Register here
Boston Labor Conference: Labor Climate Change and Political Power
The Labor Resource Center at UMass Boston is hosting three forums – on consecutive Fridays in March (5th, 12th, and 19th) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – that focus on labor and climate change, an issue that has the potential for unifying working people.
Forum Two: Labor and a Just Transition
March 12, 3 – 5 p.m.
Register here
Thank you for reading and taking action!
In Solidarity,
Community Labor United
