Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Too many staff of color at Bates have left due to burnout, and the high turnover impacts our students. Too many employees experience pushback when they try to do equity work. Many face discrimination or harassment at work with no avenues to address.
What We Can Do By Forming Our Union
We are voting yes to form our union to gain the right to collectively bargain a contract that centers DEI issues, policies, and practices we need.
Below are some examples of what other union workers have negotiated to improve work culture for people of color and to ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces:
Protections Against Discrimination and Harassment
Established discrimination contract article, concrete complaint procedure, and trainings for staff and management
Example(s): Preble Street workers unionized with MSEA improved rights for immigrant and refugee workers to access time off for naturalization, and negotiated interpretation/translation access and protection from discrimination based on immigration status. Many workers unionized with MSEA have also negotiated improvements to address harassment issues through concrete grievance procedures that escalate up to arbitration.
Hiring, Promotion, and Discipline
Standardized orientation and training expectations
Increased accessibility for training and professional development
Standardized diversity requirements for hiring
Established internal job posting requirements, discipline procedures
“Just cause” protections against unfair discipline and termination: an added level of job security so employees can more easily advocate for programmatic changes and speak up about negative behavior without fear of reprisal
Pay Equity and Transparency
Transparent wage and salary scale in workers' contract, with across the board raises everyone can count on
Added pay for DEI training and work
Added pay for work requiring language and cultural fluency