Labor Life Spring 2026
IN THIS EDITION
Spring 2026 Executive Director Update
In Memorium
Labor School Classes & Workshops Recap
Valentine’s Day Appeal
2025 CGA Recap – Event Details and Photo Gallery
Spring 2026 Executive Director Update
Winter’s greetings and best wishes from the Labor Guild! Our thanks, of course, begin with so many who joined us and assisted with the Cushing-Gavin Awards Dinner in December. There is always the reality of taking three months to plan for the event, and then have everything take place in the course of four hours! Our thanks begin with our hosts at United Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103, Season’s Caterers for the delicious meal, Diana Painter, Holly Clark, and Violet Hurst of our Braintree office and so many who joined in for the evening! The Father Ed Boyle Fellow, Marc Greenbaum, made the trip from Florida (actually the horse country therein) and achieved both a family reunion and many warm exchanges of greetings with dinner attendees. Our best wishes to this retired Arbitrator and Suffolk University Law Faculty Member! Kristen Gowin and her husband arrived with four alert and engaging children, who delighted our gathering throughout the evening. They really did not blink an eye, keeping focus on the evening’s activities as well as guests at our table, while giving the good word for the area electrical contractors. Jill and Tony Rizzotti arrived for the Management Award, holding down the Boston College Law School end of our gathering, as well as family and the Littler law office. While there is no question that Dawn and Lou Antonellis peaked our gathering for family photos with Harry Brett, our Labor Organizing Award winner hosted us well at #103, while generating plenty of smiles in the room. And that may have been our friend, State Representative Lisa Field, who arrived for recognition also. Thanks to all who joined in with the Labor Movement with their attendance!
The month of December moves quickly along following the dinner. While one cannot attend all activities, we would like to note Bishop Bruce Lewandowski of Providence and a first-rate day on current Immigration Issues held in the busy season. Staff from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the HOPE Border Institute, and the Center for Migration Studies joined with staffers and participants from many Dioceses in southern New England to discuss the spirituality, faith issues, and structural support for immigrants of the Church and the wider community. Having identified important concerns, we were able to meet for regional caucuses with helpful plans.
I found myself in New Bedford for both the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council Christmas dinner as well as an annual meeting for Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, the immigrant workers’ center that keeps a good eye on proceedings in Bristol County and Rhode Island. Many of the workers groups we meet are conscious of staying in touch and maintaining support during these days. We see former Labor Guild students throughout these travels, and wish a Safe, Healthy and Just New Year to all!
In January we gathered to remember our Sister Cindy Rodrigues, who served us through the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Central Labor Council for many years. Thanks to all of us who attended to remember our Sister in a public manner! She received the Cushing-Gavin Award in 2017.
Many thanks to a strong coalition of Catholic Sisters of the Boston area who remembered trafficking victims in early January, particularly the Sisters of Saint Joseph for hosting us in Brighton. We also congratulate the Catholic Labor Network colleagues in Washington who met as a group of some 35 members in January. The brothers Greg and Larry Guthrie were in attendance, as was long-time Guilder Brian Norton. And Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Dorchester served as devoted hosts for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast this year.
In Memorium
- Ernest “Red” Charles Sheehan, Jr.: Ernest “Red” Charles Sheehan Jr., who passed away peacefully on January 28 at the age of 83, was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a steadfast leader in the labor movement whose life was defined by service, loyalty, and family. A proud member of Teamsters Local 25 since 1964, Red dedicated nearly four decades to organized labor, serving for 25 years as a Business Agent and holding numerous leadership roles that reflected his deep commitment to protecting working people. His distinguished service included leadership positions with the Boston Newspaper Unity Council, NE Teamsters Federal Credit Union, multiple retirement and investment trusts, and as a delegate to International Teamsters Conventions. Red also served with great distinction on the Board of Directors of the Labor Guild, including as President of the Board, where his faith-centered leadership, integrity, and compassion left a lasting mark. A graduate of the UMass Institute of Labor Affairs and Industrial Relations, Red carried his values into retirement, continuing to lead and serve his community while cherishing time with his beloved wife Pam and his growing family. Remembered for his kindness, dedication, and unwavering devotion to those he loved, Red’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
- John Joseph “Jack” Boyle, Jr.: John Joseph “Jack” Boyle Jr., brother to Fr. Ed Boyle, SJ, passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2025, lived a life defined by discipline, leadership, faith, and an unwavering belief in personal responsibility. A decorated Navy veteran of the Korean War, standout athlete, successful entrepreneur, and devoted family man, Jack believed deeply that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” a principle he lived out every day. Whether leading colleagues in business, raising his four sons with his beloved wife Dodie, or serving his country aboard the USS Missouri, Jack demanded excellence while inspiring those around him to rise to high expectations. Known for his sharp wit, timeless aphorisms, and boundless positivity, he approached life with resolve, gratitude, and joy—remaining intellectually curious, deeply faithful, and fully present as a grandfather in his later years. Jack leaves behind a legacy of integrity, purpose, and gratitude, captured best in his enduring mantra: “Make good things happen.”
- Daniel J. O’Connell: Died May 9, with many of the USW Steelworkers Community gathering in Saint Theresa Avila Church in West Roxbury for his Funeral Mass.
- Francis J. D’Urso: Board Member Gina O’Toole’s father died at the age of 90 on October 21. A native of Saugus, he was retired from the G.E. Riverworks Aviation Division. A U.S. Army Korean War Veteran, Frank was a member of the VFW in Saugus and was past Commander of the Saugus American Legion. He was also a former member of Figlia D’Italia.
- Marylee Pelosky: Marylee (Boyle) Pelosky, sister to Fr. Ed Boyle, SJ, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, at the age of 91, lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and social justice. A natural leader with a deep commitment to education, community, and inclusion, Marylee dedicated decades of her life to volunteerism and advocacy, particularly on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her lifelong values of hard work, fairness, and standing up for others were also reflected in her steadfast dedication to the Labor Guild, where she supported its mission and embodied its spirit of solidarity and service. Whether through her leadership, her Catholic faith, or her unwavering encouragement of those around her, Marylee leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and quiet strength that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.
- Charles M. “Chuck” Raso: Charles M. “Chuck” Raso, who passed away on December 4, 2025, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and an extraordinary leader in organized labor whose impact will be felt for generations. A lifelong union member since 1964 and President of Local 3 Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen MA-ME-NH-RI since 1981, Chuck dedicated his life to advancing the dignity of work, protecting working families, and strengthening the labor movement across New England and beyond. Through his leadership with the International Bricklayers Union, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and his stewardship of apprenticeship, scholarship, health, pension, and annuity funds, Chuck safeguarded the futures of thousands of union members and their families. A dedicated member of the Labor Guild, Chuck embodied its mission through his faith-centered leadership, mentorship, and lifelong commitment to service, leaving behind a powerful legacy of integrity, compassion, and solidarity that continues to inspire the labor community.
- Cynthia “Cindy” Rodrigues: Cynthia Ann (Botelho) Rodrigues, who passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 81, was a trailblazing labor leader whose lifelong commitment to working people shaped the labor movement throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. A retiree of UNITE HERE, AFL-CIO, Cynthia was among the first female business agents on the New England Joint Board and served for three decades as President of the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council. Throughout her distinguished career, she held numerous leadership roles, including Secretary-Treasurer of the New Bedford/Cape Cod Labor Council, Vice President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO representing Southeastern Massachusetts, and Chairperson, Steering Committee, and Advisory Board Member of the UMass Dartmouth Labor Education Center. In recognition of her extraordinary service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to labor and social justice, Cynthia was honored in 2017 as a recipient of the Labor Guild’s Cushing-Gavin Award (CGA), leaving behind a powerful legacy of courage, advocacy, and service to working families.
Labor School Classes & Workshops Recap
During Fall 2025, the Labor Guild offered a robust slate of educational programs designed to strengthen union leadership, enhance member engagement, and equip participants with practical skills to navigate workplace and governance challenges. These courses and workshops reflected the Guild’s ongoing commitment to labor education, democratic union practices, and worker advocacy.
Basic Steward Training
The Labor Guild’s Fall 2025 programming included Basic Steward Training, a comprehensive virtual course focused on the core duties and responsibilities of union shop stewards. The course emphasized strategic planning for local unions, member mobilization, documentation practices, and the grievance process.
Participants engaged in case studies designed to strengthen problem‑solving skills and to address workplace issues efficiently and professionally. The course also focused on building effective communication skills across trades and between stewards, members, foremen, supervisors, and business managers. Students were encouraged to bring their own ideas and experiences to enhance discussion and learning.
The course was instructed by Tom Breslin, a longtime labor educator with decades of experience in labor education, including work with the Minnesota Nurses Association, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, and public school labor studies programs.
Advanced Steward Training
Building on the foundational skills developed in Basic Steward Training, the Labor Guild also offered Advanced Steward Training. This course emphasized strategic planning for local unions, advanced member mobilization strategies, and enhanced problem‑solving techniques.
Participants strengthened their grievance handling and investigation skills, developed tools to support member mobilization, and gained a deeper understanding of the role of the union steward within the organizing model. Students were encouraged to bring their own workplace challenges and ideas for discussion. Completion of Basic Steward Training was a prerequisite for enrollment.
This course was instructed by Tom Breslin, Retired Associate Director of Labor Education at the Massachusetts Nurses Association, whose extensive experience provided participants with practical, real‑world guidance.
Your Union Bylaws: Do They Really Say What You Think They Say?
The Labor Guild offered Your Union Bylaws: Do They Really Say What You Think They Say?, a course designed to help union leaders and members better understand, evaluate, and strengthen their governing documents.
The workshop explored key governance questions, including who holds ultimate authority within a union, who interprets bylaws when disputes arise, and when custom or past practice applies. Participants examined how to proceed when bylaws are silent on divisive issues, including the application of Robert’s Rules of Order, and discussed what belongs in policies versus bylaws. The course provided tools to refine bylaws to avoid conflicts or complications caused by missing or poorly framed language.
Taught by Patti Legault‑Frank, the course equipped participants with the confidence and skills to review, amend, and maintain effective governance documents. Materials provided served as valuable reference resources for union leaders and members alike.
Union Meetings and Robert’s Rules
Union Meetings and Robert’s Rules was offered for union leaders and members seeking to run or participate in meetings that are effective, orderly, and democratic.
The course applied Robert’s Rules of Order to real‑world union settings, reviewing the fundamentals of motions, debate, and voting. Participants learned how Robert’s Rules interface with union bylaws, special rules of order, standing rules, past practice, and labor law. Additional topics included special meetings, executive sessions, electronic meetings, committees and small boards, ex‑officio members, and other procedural considerations.
The course was taught by Patti Legault‑Frank, who provided practical instruction and materials that serve as invaluable tools for confidently attending, chairing, or facilitating union meetings.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) (Workshop)
The Fall 2025 program also included a workshop on Unemployment Insurance (UI), highlighting this critical safety‑net program that supports workers and families during periods of joblessness while stabilizing the broader economy.
The workshop guided participants through the UI system from eligibility requirements through the appeals process. It also addressed challenges with the Department of Unemployment Assistance’s new online system, including how union members should respond to updated questions to remain exempt from the work search requirement and how part‑time work during a claim may affect eligibility.
The workshop was led by Jason Salgado, Staff Attorney in the Workers’ Rights Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services, who brings extensive experience in worker advocacy, unemployment insurance, paid family and medical leave, wage and hour law, and misclassification issues.
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) (Workshop)
The Labor Guild also offered a workshop on Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), focusing on the benefits and protections available to Massachusetts workers under the state’s PFML law.
Participants received an overview of PFML wage replacement benefits for workers who must take time away from work due to their own serious health condition, to care for a family member, or to bond with a newborn or newly adopted child. The workshop covered the application and appeals process and highlighted common barriers to accessing benefits. The session also emphasized the positive impacts of PFML on worker health, family stability, and early childhood development.
This workshop was led by Stephanie Herron Rice, Attorney and Racial Justice Fellow in the Workers’ Rights Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services, whose practice focuses on PFML and unemployment insurance through both individual representation and systemic advocacy.
Submitted by: Karen Siegel, Office Manager
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Valentine’s Day Appeal
As we greet all of the Labor Guild community with our Valentine’s Day Appeal, I am pleased to remind everyone that he remains a Saint in the Catholic Church and is venerated and remembered in several other faith communities. Just don’t look for his listing in the current listing of Saints’ Days for the daily Mass! We can assume that the Second Vatican Council prompted a review of factual narratives, and while our friend is remembered there are several story-lines to choose from. Among them, the Bishop Valentine cured a blind young woman in an emperor’s household, the miracle surely holding the emperor’s attention from then forward. Another speaks of the Priest Valentine who would witness the marriages of couples secretly, as this would prevent the Roman Empire from conscripting the husband. The memories and veneration, no doubt, have to do with his support of married couples and family members as the basis for supporting all in the community.
We live in an era of concern for widespread illnesses, regardless of their origin. While we know far more of the 14th Century influenza that entered Europe from the Middle East than our ancestors, a similar illness descended upon us in 1918, with Covid 19 a century later. There is no question that our ancestors felt the challenge of living life as a married couple, not to say of providing for children and others, in a challenging situation. Regardless, we may see throughout time the value of sacrificial living for the sake of one’s spouse, children, and other family members.
As the Labor Guild approaches its 81st anniversary, marking 74 years of educational programming, we are reminded of the many people for whom we are deeply grateful. While we are grateful for all who we remember on the Cushing-Gavin list, our organization is comprised of faculty who have shared their expertise with students, new and prospective union leaders, and others in the Management-Labor Community. As the holiday approaches this year, let us all remember our present and future students who have and will receive the gift of genuine organized labor experience. We know that the classroom does comprise the same reality of the workplace, yet our students, faculty, and all Labor Guild members have given witness to the importance of the dignity of the human experience in the workplace. Happy Saint Valentine’s Day!
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