News & Commentary May 1, 2023

https://onlabor.org/may-1-2y023/

By Elyse Weissberger

In today’s News and Commentary, a Massachusetts fire union protests 660+ days without a contract, the NLRB rules that a Tesla service center violated labor law by restricting employees’ communication regarding salary and working conditions, and over 160 countries celebrate May Day with rallies and protests calling for better labor conditions.

Several Massachusetts towns have experienced recent contract disputes with their fire unions, but none running longer than the dispute between Westwood Fire Union and town officials. The fire union in Westwood, a Boston suburb, has gone 669 days without a contract. This weekend, firefighters picketed outside the fire house demanding a fair and equitable salary increase, in line with agreements the town has made with the police and teachers unions. Residents will vote on next year’s budget today. The budget proposal includes a 3.4% salary increase for the fire department and a 5.8% raise for teachers.

FULL story at link above.