Somerville Council approves resolution supporting right of certain public workers to strike

The Somerville City Council on July 10 approved a resolution urging the Massachusetts Legislature to grant certain public employees the right to strike and asked councilors to sign on to related state bills.

Councilor Lance Burnley introduced the resolution and sponsored speakers who described local and regional experience with public-sector labor actions. The council heard multiple personal accounts from public employees and union representatives about the limits of current law and the consequences for bargaining power.

Colette Berard, speaking as a public-school teacher and Somerville resident, recounted participating in a strike and said the experience was “terrifying” but necessary when employers refuse to bargain. Berard argued that employers in some districts use legal restrictions to delay bargaining and gain leverage. In her remarks she said, “Making strikes illegal for public sector workers isn't stopping strikes. If you wanna prevent strikes, then need to support giving us the ability to withhold our labor when our management refuses to negotiate with us.”

Other speakers included union leaders and numerous councilors who expressed support. Councilors stressed that a right to strike would not be undertaken lightly but argued it is a fundamental labor right. Councilor Scott, among others, described public-sector workers as values-driven and said giving those employees more leverage would improve the services residents receive.

The council voted to approve the resolution and several councilors said they would sign on as cosponsors. The resolution calls on the city’s state delegation to support two bills pending at the State House that would alter current restrictions on public-sector strikes.