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L to R: Kathy LeBlanc/BR, Heather Rosenquist/BR, Lynn Hagan/BR, Fran Guidone/BR, Shelley Capozzi/BR, Isabelle Hahn/BR, Cindy Tracy/Treasurer, Julie Lucas/BR, Sue Evans/co-president, Karen Owen/BR, Carla Marino/co-president, Molly Fahey/Secretary |
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On Monday, October 22, 2018 the Madison Association of Educational Supportive Services (MAESS), comprised of approximately 200 members in roles such as Administrative Assistants/Secretaries, Nurses & Paraeducators, voted overwhelmingly in a secret ballot election to officially affiliate with the United Public Service Employees Union(UPSEU).
While researching other surrounding Districts, the Association Unit President, Carla Marino, came across several contracts that UPSEU negotiated which peaked her interest due to the level of benefits in those contracts. Carla then notified her Executive Board of her findings and they each immediately began researching UPSEU. After meeting with UPSEU Regional Director, Matt Geer, who spearheaded the campaign, several members of the Executive Board took it upon themselves to contact the leadership of several different bargaining units that UPSEU currently represents for honest and unsolicited feedback. Following those conversations which produced exemplary compliments, the Executive Board reconfirmed their initial thoughts that joining UPSEU was in the best interest of the entire membership. UPSEU then provided a thorough informational meeting for the entire membership, which provided many assurances to those in attendance that joining UPSEU was exactly the type of representation that they have needed in recent years.
UPSEU is honored to have received such strong support from the members and looks forward to providing day-to-day representation and leading the unit in upcoming contract negotiations. Matt Geer from UPSEU stated, “the membership grew exceedingly confident that they needed stronger advocates at the bargaining table and more hands-on representation, which is precisely what UPSEU will deliver to the entire membership.”
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