Dear Colleagues,

tomorrow, Friday, May 1, is International Workers’ Day, an occasion to recognize the enduring contributions, struggles, and achievements of the labor movement in the United States and globally. This year, unions across the country are coming together in solidarity to affirm the rights of workers and citizens, and to raise concerns about actions taking place at the federal level that threaten civil liberties.

Over the past year, public institutions of higher education have encountered significant pressures, including reductions in federal funding for research and academic programs that are disliked by the federal administration, increased restrictions on international student visa approvals, and a diminished Department of Education that does not value independent inquiry or academic freedom.

At UMass Dartmouth, these developments are already having tangible effects. We are seeing a decline in admitted international students, and faculty and staff departures — whether through retirement or attrition — are occurring without any commitment that these people will be replaced. Together, these trends have negative implications for instructional capacity, the student experience, and our continued strength as a leading institution of higher education and research on the South Coast.

While not all members may be able to fully participate in “No Work, No School, No Shopping,” this moment calls for reflection and unity in response to the challenges facing higher education and the broader public sector. We encourage you to take whatever actions you are able to tomorrow: wear Union red or UMASS UNIONS UNITED yellow and blue action shirts to work on Friday; walk in to your workplace right before the start of your contractual workday and walk out together at the end of your contractual workday; or join one of the Big Actions taking place in solidarity with other unions & community organizations. 

Please join the union leadership in the Faculty Federation Conference Room on Friday, 12:00 to 3:00 pm, and enjoy some coffee with a cookie made by a local family-owned business, Black Tie Cookies, at the end of the day.