Labor Life Summer 2025

IN THIS EDITION
2025 Executive Director Update
The Labor Guild Still Stands Strong Video Premiere Project
In Memoriam
Saint Joseph Masses
Labor School Classes & Workshops Recap
Board Member Update

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2025 Executive Director Update

By Fr. Marc Fallon, C.S.C.

Greetings to one and all for this fast-moving year! Does this correspond to the “variety of comments” that we perceive from the White House? Stay tuned!

On a first note, the Catholic Health Foundation grant has allowed us to adapt the wage theft and worker safety components of Know Your Rights talks to include timely advice from attorneys on gathering custodial-care documents for minor children in light of current intimidation from the Federal Government. These have been presented in New Bedford and Brockton to this point. Archbishop Richard Henning has published two comprehensive articles on the Catholic Church’s ministry to migrants in The Pilot editions of February 7 and 14. While Archbishop Henning met many of us at the Cushing-Gavin reception in December, he recently visited the regional clergy group that I attend and shared an honest assessment of his first three months in the Archdiocese. He has been meeting many groups and acknowledges that his pastoral plan will need to be different from that during his time with the Diocese of Providence. He is a person who accepts social invitations: witness the courteous letter of Hugh Boyd inviting him to IBEW #104’s forthcoming anniversary.

President Lisa Field continues to negotiate scholarship contributions with Organizational Members with the personnel to suggest larger contributions. As we meet, I hope that Spring and Lenten greetings are in order for all. Even as I shared Pastor Gregory Groover’s reference to Dr. King’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail, with the thesis that those holding political, social, or economic power do not give this away, MBTU delegates consistently repeated their intention to 1) continue with Project Labor Agreements 2) support Helmets to Hardhats 3) support Addiction Treatment and Employee Assistance Programs and 4) continue working with Building Pathways, Women in Leadership Development, and others to welcome young women and candidates from under-represented backgrounds to careers in the
Building Trades.

The Brazilian Worker Center and the Greater Boston Labor Council were among the many sponsors to the 3rd Annual Building Justice Workers Assembly, hosted by our friends of IBEW Local #103 in Dorchester. Friends of the CCT Worker Center and the Brockton Workers Alliance joined as well. The projection screen displayed Solidarity Forever in seven languages. This was the first of two events over three days MCed by Executive Board Member Darlene Lombos. The second event was the Global Labor Justice Informational Rally on the Seaport Convention Center sidewalk. We heard veterans of the Taiwanese open-ocean tuna fleet describe 10-12 month stints at sea without access to Wi-Fi, and thus family communications are unavailable.

The month of March transitioned to April with a full schedule for the Labor – Management Community. The Archdiocese took note of energetic responses from Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu to invitations for dialogue concerning the Care for Creation in light of many examples of climate change. We gathered on March 27 at BC High for the 10th Anniversary of the late Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Si, which has a great emphasis on the Theology of our Environment and the Care for Creation.

The Guild had the honor of hosting discussion groups concerning workforce opportunities for climate jobs. Board Member Frank Callahan shared the perspective of the Building Trades in the planning and implementation of the Vineyard Wind project. The state AFL-CIO sent along a rising bright light in this movement, Ryan Murphy, Esq., he of the two BC degrees, who heads up their Climate Jobs initiative. In considering Vineyard Wind, solar panels, and geothermal initiatives, our hosts helped participants to understand that technology change is both future and, initially, present. Attorney Murphy’s example was the near-century of organizing in the coal and steel sectors, allowing the Wagner Act to provide a stable framework for the United Mine Workers and the United Steel Workers.

As our various supporting member organizations support validating workers’ organizing, let us continue to hear the pain that emanates from Federal attacks on ordinary organizing. We have trained our leaders to be attentive, at the very least!

The Boston Labor Guild Still Stands Strong Video Premiere Project

The premiere of The Boston Labor Guild Still Stands Strong took place on May 19, 2025, in a special virtual showing held over Zoom. This powerful and inspiring event celebrated the Guild’s enduring commitment to workers’ rights, education, and solidarity. Attended by union leaders, community members, and longtime supporters from across the region, the screening offered a moving tribute to the Guild’s rich history and its ongoing impact in the Greater Boston labor movement. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal stories, the film highlighted the resilience and unity that have defined the Guild’s mission for decades.

In addition to its advocacy work, the Boston Labor Guild continues to serve as a vital educational hub, offering a wide range of classes designed to empower workers and union members. These include courses in collective bargaining, labor law, grievance handling, steward training, public speaking, and labor history. Taught by experienced union leaders, attorneys, and educators, these classes are held during the Guild’s signature School of Labor-Management Relations and are accessible to participants from all backgrounds and experience levels. The premiere not only honored past achievements but also reaffirmed the Guild’s vital role in shaping a just and equitable future for all workers.

In Memoriam

We commit ourselves to remember the many contributions to the Labor – Management Community of a number of valued colleagues who have been called from our midst.

• Ernest “Red” Sheehan, President Boston newspaper Unity Council
  New England Teamsters Federal Credit Union
  International Teamsters Delegate
  Husband of Pamela Niedzwiecki for 62 years
• Maria Walsh, Vice-President of Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation (1993-99)
  Chair and Commissioner of Massachusetts Labor Law Commission (1983-93)
  2000 – Mediator for Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services
  Special Master, Asbestos Litigation
• John Joseph “Jack” Boyle, Jr., Energetic Community Leader and Brother to Fr. Ed Boyle, S.J.9
• Danny O’Connell started his career with Boston Gas in May of 1980. From the time he started he developed many friendships. He loved talking to people. He had an easy going personality, with a smile and a laugh for everyone. He would give you the shirt off his back. He protected and helped anyone who needed it. He loved his job and his Union Brothers and Sisters. He was kind and honest and he was respected by everyone he worked with. That carried over with management when he started his role in USW Local 12003 Union leadership. In 2000 he ran and was easily elected to a position on the Negotiating Committee. He held that spot until 2019 when he was elected Vice President of the Local. He was in that role until 2019 when he was elected to the position of President. His knowledge, common sense, and amazing memory benefited everyone he represented in Local 12003. Danny will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Saint Joseph Masses

We are so grateful to be able to cooperate with Catholic TV! The Spring brings along the two feast days for Saint Joseph of the Holy Family on March 19, to be followed by Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1st. If memory serves, it would seem that the late-winter Feast Day took place only days after President Lisa Field had declared her intention to succeed the late Carol Doherty as a State Representative. Our thanks to Catholic TV for scheduling Lectors and other Mass Ministers as our Guild colleagues began to turn out in support for President Field!

The Mass for the First of May, perhaps secondarily, began early in the morning of the last day of April. While our friends in Watertown support all who arrive for the morning television Mass, regardless of the presence or absence of other Guilders, they are prepared to receive and support all who pray in their chapel. Upon the actual First Day of May, Monsignor Bryan Hehir asked if I could attend a televised Mass from Lowell that posed a schedule conflict for him. How pleasant to arrive in the shadow of Lowell High School and meet parish staff and lay leadership who were so proud to welcome the new Archbishop Richard Henning to their home church! OK, I could have gone running out the door for the return to scenic Braintree, yet the welcoming hospitality ensured that we were together at table for several more moments. We are so grateful for the opportunity to meet Pastor Rev. Michael Amesse, O.M.I., along with parish staff. Many thanks for this community’s welcome and support of the Archdiocese!

Winter/Spring Labor School Classes and Workshops Recap

By Karen Siegel

Advanced Steward Training was recently held, led by experienced instructor Tom Breslin. Designed for union stewards looking to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their advocacy skills, the training covered topics such as grievance handling, contract enforcement, workplace organizing, and effective communication strategies. Tom’s practical insights and real-world examples helped participants engage with complex scenarios and gain confidence in their roles. The interactive sessions encouraged collaboration and peer learning, making the course a valuable experience for both new and seasoned stewards.

A one-day in person workshop on Charting and Mapping was conducted by Ashley Adams, Organizer, Trainer, Negotiator and MTA (Retired), offering participants practical tools to analyze and visualize workplace structures and relationships. The session focused on techniques for strategic organizing, including identifying key leaders, tracking issues, and mapping networks of influence. Through hands-on exercises and group discussions, attendees gained valuable insights into how charting and mapping can enhance organizing campaigns and member engagement.

Union Secretary was led by Patti Legault-Frank, offering essential training for members serving or preparing to serve in this key administrative position. The course covered critical responsibilities such as meeting minutes, record-keeping, correspondence, and maintaining organizational compliance. Patti’s extensive knowledge and clear instruction provided participants with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the Secretary’s role in supporting union operations. The interactive format allowed for questions, discussion, and real-world examples, making the class both informative and accessible.

Collective Bargaining was held with instructor Paul McCarthy, providing an in-depth look at the negotiation process from preparation to settlement. The course explored key concepts such as bargaining strategy, contract language, economic analysis, and dispute resolution. Paul’s extensive experience and engaging teaching style helped participants build the skills needed to represent members effectively at the bargaining table. Through case studies, role-playing, and group exercises, attendees gained practical insights and confidence in navigating complex bargaining scenarios. The class offered a comprehensive foundation for anyone involved in union negotiations.

A one-day in person workshop on Mock Arbitration was led by Michael Loconto and Rebekah J. Smith Esq., giving participants a hands-on opportunity to experience the arbitration process from start to finish. The workshop simulated a real arbitration hearing, allowing attendees to take on roles such as advocates, witnesses, and arbitrators. Michael guided the group through case preparation, presentation of evidence, and effective argument techniques, providing expert feedback throughout. This immersive experience offered valuable insight into how arbitration works and how to build strong, persuasive cases on behalf of members.

Labor History was taught by Dave Kowalski, offering participants a comprehensive look at the struggles, victories, and evolution of the labor movement. The course traced key events, movements, and figures that shaped workers’ rights in the U.S. and beyond, connecting past battles to current labor challenges. Dave’s deep knowledge and engaging storytelling brought history to life, sparking thoughtful discussion and reflection. Participants left with a stronger appreciation for the roots of union activism and a renewed sense of purpose in their roles as labor advocates.

Board Member Update – John W. Folcarelli