Recent comments in /f/massachusetts

CompasslessPigeon t1_j6otiri wrote

Reply to comment by Mediocre_Coconut_628 in Should there be a ballot initiative about repealing Section 9A(a) of a law banning public employees from striking? by 96suluman

Yep. Paramedic in the same boat.

“We can’t survive on 2%. Losing good medics to other areas with better pay and cost of living, dedicated employees can’t afford the increases we have seen in rent”-union

“Too bad. You get 2% a year for the next 3. Too bad that inflation was 12% and we had record profits. We want even more record profits” -management

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ConwayPuder t1_j6oswqp wrote

Reply to Should Governor Baker develop some sort of apocalypse plan? by [deleted]

If you're genuinely concerned about these topics, talk to your doctor about anxiety and stress management. They can offer medication or therapy which could help you. Then talk to your US and/or state senator or representative about constituent services and express your concerns about unpreparedness and your expertise in disaster management. If they appreciate your concerns, they may put you in touch with other officials, introduce legislation, or use committee powers to get an agenda rolling. Finally, remember that Charlie Baker is no longer governor.

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PolkaD0tMom t1_j6on5vn wrote

Reply to Masshealth questions by [deleted]

The age 26 rule doesn't apply to Masshealth. He should report the change that you are no longer part of his household and remove you so you can apply on your own with your spouse, unless they have other insurance they are adding you to.

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Live-Breath9799 t1_j6omrgz wrote

Reply to Dozens of cities and towns are facing their first big deadline to comply with a new state law that requires them to legalize more homes near MBTA stations. In Weston, a notoriously exclusive suburb, town officials met this morning to discuss how they might comply with the new rules: by streetsblogmass

My understanding of this law is that if cities/ towns choose to ignore this, they are only forfeiting grant money for certain projects. However, it seems that it would make it easier for a developer to build in cities/ towns if they met the guidelines despite community resistance for cities / towns on the defined map. Is that a correct reading of this?

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Mediocre_Coconut_628 t1_j6om57k wrote

Reply to Should there be a ballot initiative about repealing Section 9A(a) of a law banning public employees from striking? by 96suluman

So I am a water treatment operator somewhere in Massachusetts (not going to disclose where for obvious reasons) and we aren’t able to strike at all. In fact any shutdown or wildcat strikes constitute not only termination but criminal charges.

It’s a crappy catch 22 to be in, being underpaid and undervalued and not having any actual resources to protest. Our union is a joke because what actual leverage do they have? Our negotiations typically go something like this

Union: ”we feel out members need a 9% raise to meet cost of living increases and to make sure we can attract qualified applicants”

Company: “ best I can do is 2%”

Union: grumbles “ok fine I guess”

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paganlobster t1_j6ok7fs wrote

Reply to comment by jp_jellyroll in Should there be a ballot initiative about repealing Section 9A(a) of a law banning public employees from striking? by 96suluman

Cops don't prevent crime. Plenty of studies have proven that. The only thing that actually reduces crime is reducing poverty and making something other than the dumb fucking societal choices we keep making that probably lead to that kid trying to take your shit.

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