Nuts & Bolts: Upcoming events, GIC Update, Parking Bargaining Petition, Anti-Racism Grant Recipient: BANNED An Anti-Racism Reading Resistance, Space Use Policy, Freedom of Information Act, FSU Website, MTA Annual Meeting of Delegates, and MTA Benefits
2/23/2026
FSU Calendar February 23rd to 27th
Wednesday, February 25th Pizza and Cookies 11:30AM to 12:30PM in CC 2540
Stop by Campus Center 2540 for some pizza (bring your own beverage) and relax, chat with colleagues and meet new colleagues. Pick up some FSU swag – stickers, buttons and t-shirts.
Room Change: we will be in the Campus Center, 2nd floor, room 2540.
Dear Faculty and Librarians,
This winter has been long, yet we do not need to stay inside when Boston Restaurant week is here. From February 22nd to March 7th, you can enjoy a prix fixe multi-course lunch or dinner at a variety of local restaurants. Check out https://www.restaurantweekboston.com/
GIC Health Insurance: Proposed Increase Vote Upcoming
Thanks to your advocacy, the GIC Commission postponed their February 12th vote to increase our health insurance costs.
We need to continue to tell the commissioners hands off our health care. Details on what you can do will be sent in a separate email.
Parking Bargaining: Sign the Petition
Last Wednesday we provided the status of parking bargaining including the union coalition proposal and UMB administration’s counter.
Please consider signing the petition and tell administration the impact of their proposed cost increase impacts your financial health.
Anti Racism Grant Recipient: BANNED An Anti-Racism Reading Resistance, Feb 27th 4:30PM
Join UMB’s Race, Ethnicity and Literature concentration for a dynamic reading group series dedicated to the books they do not want you to read. We are centering on the very stories being removed from shelves across the country. Come to sharpen your critical tools, engage in deep dialogue and help challenge the erasure of marginalized voices.
Join on February 27th at 4:30PM in ISC 3-3300. This month’s book is the 1619 Project. To register scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
Unfair Labor Practice: Space Use Policy Hearing Update
In August 2024, UMB enacted an amended University Space Use Policy. The FSU along with our sister unions raised concerns that the changes impact a union’s right to concerted political activity. We filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) with the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations under section 150E.
The policy items of concern are the advance notice requirement, the limited spaces available for protest, the identification requirement, and the indemnification requirement.
Step one of the ULP process is a preliminary hearing which was held on January 21, 2025. On February 11, 2025, the hearing officer found probable cause to believe that violations occurred. The next step was the scheduling of a formal hearing.
On January 28, 2026, a formal hearing was held at the Mass. Department of Labor Relations. We believe the presentation of our case went well. Each side has until April 24th to submit final briefs which means we will not know a decision until at least May. We will share the decision with you.
Unfair Labor Practice: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
The FSU participated in a formal hearing at the Dept of Labor Relations on January 21, 2026. The case involves a Spring 2024 outside organization request for member emails. We do not expect to hear a decision until at least April.
The FSU is aware that UMB has received several FOIA requests seeking email searches of our members. We are actively engaged in these cases and working with MTA Legal including filing another ULP (state level) and grievance (UMB level). We will keep you posted.
FSU Website: Changes coming
We are in the process of moving to a new host and with it comes a new our url. We expect to have a new website ready for you in April.
Call for Delegates: MTA Annual Meeting on May 8th and 9th at the Hynes Convention Center
The 2026 Annual Meeting of Delegates is Friday afternoon, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston. A virtual option will be available.
This year, in addition to budget adoption, bylaws and new business items, delegates will be electing a new president and vice president.
Each local chapter is allotted to specific number of delegates who represent the membership. If you wish to be one of FSU’s delegates, please contact us by March 11th.
MTA Benefits: Skiing
With another big snowstorm, good skiing should continue into our Spring Break. MTA Benefits includes discounts at Wachusett Mountain, Pats Peak NH and Killington VT.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department
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