Activities of DC 35 in 2025

By Jimmy Coughlin

Over the past several months, I have continued to represent our members with dedication and fairness. Our focus has been on protecting workers’ rights, improving communication with management, and ensuring that our members receive the respect and conditions they deserve on the job.

Events

This September, the Labor Day Parade brought together union representatives from across the Commonwealth in a powerful show of solidarity. Marching from the State House to City Hall alongside members and families was a brilliant reminder of the strength and pride of the labor movement.

Shortly after, our Local 1952 Annual Cookout brought out more than 80 members and guests. Despite the weather, the event was a great success and an opportunity to strengthen relationships within our union community. I extend my appreciation to BMST Chris Brennan; Assistant BMST Justin Desmond; Political Director John Drinkwater; Rep. Organizers Billy Lang and Mike Pickup; and Boston City Councilors Ruthzee Louijeune, Julia Mejia, and Erin Murphy for their support and participation.

Under the leadership of BM Chris Brennan and Director of Servicing Joe Nardelli, I joined Rep. Billy Lang and Boston band Haywire 617’s Austin Sparkman for a community outreach event that collected and distributed hundreds of backpacks and school supplies to Boston students with the help of Mayor Wu and State Rep. Rob Consalvo. This event was an excellent example of labor’s positive impact on our communities.

We also continued to advocate for our members at Boston Public Schools through disciplinary hearings and grievances. Alongside Rep. Organizer Martin Castillo, I met with representatives from the Museum of Fine Arts to address workplace and HR-related concerns for our members there. Both efforts have strengthened communication and accountability between our union and these institutions.

Our annual STAR Event was another highlight, offering a day for members and their families to come together in celebration. The turnout was one of the largest in recent years. It was rewarding to see so many familiar faces enjoying the day. We look forward to building on that success for next year’s event.

Local 1952 Updates 

In Local 1952, we represented several members in disciplinary hearings related to attendance and conduct. Multiple grievances were filed, and we are now awaiting resolutions. Despite these challenges, our members did exceptional work preparing school buildings for the new academic year, demonstrating their strong teamwork and professionalism throughout the process.

Assistant BMST Justin Desmond and I met with the Kittery School Department, where our members have been short-handed. We expressed concern over the department’s decision to use outside contractors and offered to help identify qualified union candidates to fill open positions. Several of our members have since applied, and we are awaiting updates on their applications.

Our members at the Dedham Housing Authority successfully ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement running through June 30, 2028, securing improvements and stability for the membership.

Local 1952 completed their annual shift bids smoothly, ensuring members had the opportunity to select school locations fairly and efficiently. Boston Public Schools saw a rise in attendance-related hearings, which we continue to address through fair representation and advocacy.

I would also like to recognize and congratulate Local 1952 member Jimmy Doe on his retirement after 46 years of dedicated service to the Boston Public Schools—a well-deserved milestone.

Local 1911 Updates

In Local 1911, we filed for arbitration on behalf of a member we believe was unjustly terminated after the grievance process was denied by the school committee and superintendent.

Local 1911 is also in the final stages of preparing and printing their new collective bargaining agreement, which will soon be distributed to members.

Overall, the past few months have shown strong solidarity, continued progress in our negotiations, and a shared commitment to representing our members with pride and integrity.