Labor Life Summer 2026

IN THIS EDITION
A Welcome to Labor Guild Members
Cushing-Gavin Awards 2026: Save the Date & Nominations
Upcoming Labor School Classes & Workshops
Labor School Classes & Workshops Update
In Memorium

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A Welcome to Labor Guild Members

Dear Labor Guild Members,

I am honored to introduce myself as the Director of Administration for The Labor Guild and to have the opportunity to serve an organization dedicated to supporting working people and their families.

My professional background includes administrative and leadership support roles in the construction, labor, and legal fields. I have supported the daily operations of a mechanical contracting company, assisted apprenticeship and workforce development programs at the New England Laborers’ Training Center, and worked in employment and labor law environments at both Ciapciak & Associates and O’Reilly, Grosso & Gross. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the important role organized labor plays in creating opportunities and strengthening communities.

I am excited to be part of The Labor Guild and look forward to supporting our members, partners, and leadership as we continue our mission of service, education, and advocacy for working people.

I would also like to thank Fr. Marc Fallon for his dedicated service and leadership as Executive Director of The Labor Guild. His commitment to our mission has made a lasting impact on the organization and the people we serve. We wish Fr. Marc all the best as he begins this new chapter in his journey.

Sincerely,

Karen Siegel
Director of Administration,
The Labor Guild

Save the Date!

The 60th Annual Cushing-Gavin Awards Dinner will take place on Friday December 4, 2026
6:00 PM Cocktails | 7:00 PM Dinner
IBEW 103 Hall, Dorchester

Join us for a night of food and fellowship celebrating the contributions of representatives from Labor, Labor Management, and Labor Law. 

Nominations are open until Thursday August 20 at 2:00 PM. Nominate Online

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

Understanding, Reviewing, and Amending Bylaws with Patti Legault-Frank Thursdays August 6-August 27, 2026

Labor History-Power and Struggle with Dave Kowalski Tuesdays August 25-September 22, 2026

The History and Development of Collective and Individual Rights in the Workplace with Paul Kelly Esq. Wednesdays August 26-September 16, 2026

Public Sector Labor Law with Howie Lenow Thursdays September 3-October 1, 2026

Basic Steward Training with Deb Sullivan Tuesdays October 6-November 3, 2026

Catholic Social Teaching: Socio-Economic Justice with Monsignor Bryan Hehir Wednesdays October 7-November 4, 2026

Medicare for All with Katherine Issac Thursdays October 8-November 5, 2026

Keep an eye on the Labor School Page for info on upcoming events and workshops!

Labor School Classes & Workshops Update

The Labor Guild’s School of Labor-Management Relations continued its tradition of providing practical, high-quality labor education throughout Winter and Spring 2026, offering programs designed to strengthen union leadership, workplace communication, contract administration, and member engagement. These courses reflect the Guild’s longstanding commitment to educating and empowering labor leaders, members, and workplace advocates.

The 2026 educational season began in February with Basic Steward Training, led by Deb Sullivan. This five-week course provided union stewards with foundational skills in representation, problem-solving, member advocacy, and grievance handling. Participants explored the responsibilities of a steward, organizing versus servicing, and effective approaches to supporting union members in the workplace.

Also beginning in February was Building Union Strength Through Conflict Resolution, taught by Ed Watt. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, participants learned practical communication techniques, active listening skills, and conflict resolution strategies designed to strengthen workplace relationships and build stronger unions.

In March, the Guild launched Union Power Tools and Media Skills, instructed by Ashley Adams. The course focused on increasing the power and effectiveness of local unions through member outreach, communications networks, recruitment strategies, listening skills, and public campaign development. Participants gained practical tools to engage members and strengthen union visibility and influence.

Also in March, Arbitrator and Mediator Michael Loconto led Drafting Contract Language to Reduce Grievances, a course designed to help contract negotiators develop clearer and more effective collective bargaining language. The program emphasized reducing disputes, grievances, and arbitration costs by creating stronger and more durable contract provisions.

This spring, the Guild continued its focus on leadership development with Union Meetings and Robert’s Rules, taught by Patti Legault-Frank. The course provided practical guidance on conducting efficient, democratic, and productive union meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order, helping participants strengthen meeting management and governance skills.

The Labor Guild also introduced Improving Communication Skills with AI, a new offering that explored how artificial intelligence can be used to enhance workplace communication and productivity. Participants learned strategies for effectively communicating with AI tools while developing skills increasingly relevant to today’s evolving workplace environment.

Together, these classes demonstrate The Labor Guild’s ongoing commitment to providing practical education that strengthens leadership, promotes effective workplace representation, and supports the growth of a knowledgeable and engaged labor community.

In Memorium

In Loving Memory of Marylee Boyle Pelosky

The Labor Guild joins family and friends in remembering Marylee Boyle Pelosky, a woman whose life was defined by faith, service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity of every person.

Marylee passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, at the age of 91, just months after the loss of her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Pelosky, with whom she shared sixty-eight years of marriage. Together they built a remarkable legacy of family, community involvement, and service to others.

Born in Belmont, Massachusetts, Marylee was one of six children in the Boyle family. A gifted athlete and scholar, she graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1956, where she demonstrated the leadership qualities that would characterize her entire life. Whether on the tennis court, in the classroom, or in the community, she brought energy, determination, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she undertook.

Marylee’s commitment to service extended far beyond her professional and athletic accomplishments. She was a tireless advocate for social justice and inclusion, particularly for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout her life, she volunteered generously, worked tirelessly on behalf of her community, and encouraged others to stand up for those whose voices were too often overlooked. Her belief in fairness, opportunity, and compassion reflected values long cherished by the Labor Guild.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Marylee served as a lector and Eucharistic minister in her parishes and drew inspiration from her faith in all aspects of her life. Her commitment to faith was matched by her commitment to family. As a devoted wife, mother of six children, grandmother, mentor, and friend, she nurtured generations with wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. Her family remembers her as someone who was always in their corner, offering support, guidance, and unwavering confidence in their abilities.

Marylee and Bob were longtime friends and supporters of the Labor Guild and its mission. Together they believed in the importance of education, leadership development, and creating communities rooted in respect and mutual concern. Their generosity and commitment to civic life touched countless individuals throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

Those who knew Marylee will remember her warm smile, sharp intellect, competitive spirit, and extraordinary generosity. She approached life with enthusiasm and purpose, inspiring others through both her words and her example. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the communities she served, and in the many lives she enriched through her kindness and advocacy.

The Labor Guild extends its heartfelt condolences to the Pelosky family and all who were blessed to know Marylee. May her life continue to inspire us to build communities marked by justice, compassion, faith, and service to others.

In Loving Memory of Mark Smith

he Labor Guild mourns the loss of our dear friend, colleague, and former President, Mark Smith, who passed away unexpectedly on February 25, 2026 at the age of 68. Mark’s life was a testament to service, solidarity, faith, and an unwavering commitment to working people. His leadership, friendship, and dedication to the labor movement touched countless lives and strengthened the Labor Guild for generations to come. 

Mark’s connection to the Labor Guild began in 1999 when he enrolled in the Guild’s educational programs. What started as a desire to learn quickly became a lifelong calling. He immersed himself in every class he could attend, developing a deep understanding of labor relations, workers’ rights, and ethical leadership. Those who knew him often remarked that he became a walking encyclopedia of labor knowledge, always willing to share what he had learned with others.

Through the years, Mark served the Labor Guild with distinction, eventually becoming President of the organization he loved so dearly. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and remained actively involved even after retirement, serving as Treasurer and continuing to support the Guild’s mission of promoting justice, dignity, and cooperation in the workplace. His meticulous attention to detail, organizational skills, and dedication to good governance strengthened the Guild and left a lasting impact on all who served alongside him.

Outside the Guild, Mark dedicated 38 years to the Town of Norwell, Massachusetts, where he worked tirelessly caring for the community’s trees, roads, and public grounds. He was a respected union leader, serving AFSCME Local 1700 in numerous capacities, including Executive Board member, Vice President, Treasurer, and steward. His commitment to organized labor extended far beyond his own workplace as he advocated for workers across Massachusetts and throughout the country.

Mark believed deeply in the power of unions and collective action. He often reminded others that unions were not distant organizations but the people themselves—working together to create positive change. Whether mentoring younger workers, representing his fellow members, or traveling to support labor causes, he led by example and inspired others through his integrity, humility, and tireless dedication.

More than his many accomplishments, however, Mark will be remembered for his generous spirit, loyal friendship, and genuine care for others. He approached every challenge with determination and every relationship with kindness. He was a leader who listened, a mentor who taught, and a friend who could always be counted on.

The Labor Guild is stronger because of Mark Smith’s years of service. His legacy lives on in the countless workers he helped, the leaders he mentored, and the values of fairness, dignity, and solidarity that he championed throughout his life.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family, friends, fellow union members, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May we honor his memory by continuing the work he loved and by carrying forward his commitment to justice for working people.

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