🎉 ALL 8 GRASSROOTS USA CANDIDATES WON THEIR ELECTIONS! 🎉
Grassroots USA cannot thank you enough for your endorsement, for your vote, and for getting others out to vote! 264 total votes were cast – YOU helped increase voter turnout by more than 100 members compared to the last general board election two years ago.
Still, this represents just over one third of eligible voters, and we have a lot of work to do to reach a supermajority. Keep an eye out for more opportunities to keep our grassroots movement growing!
We are a team of University Staff Association members JUST LIKE YOU who recognize that this is the time to organize for a stronger union. More than ever, it’s important that we stand together against university management’s increasing pressure through privatization and deteriorating quality of life. Only through unity and collaboration can we become a leading voice advocating for fair pay, benefits, and better working conditions. To that end, our goal is to bring our collective experience to union leadership to create a stronger union rooted in cooperation and accountability. We kindly ask for your votes for the Grassroots USA platform in the USA’s upcoming elections, and we thank you for stopping by our website.
Sheila is an experienced, knowledgeable union leader who loves helping members learn more about USA. Over the last 10 years she served as Chief Steward, Communications Chair, and Vice President, among others and has experience with bargaining, resolving workplace conflicts, and protecting our rights. She enjoys working with other union leaders to build a stronger labor movement, helping new leaders find meaningful ways to contribute, and working collaboratively to ensure that we have seats at the table for anyone who wants to strengthen our union.
Sheila has been active with the Contract Action Team and several multi-union coalitions in support of our contract campaign. She is a stalwart advocate for increased democracy and transparency and regularly invites SBRs to actively participate in bargaining. She believes there is wisdom in a group and looks forward to empowering her fellow union leaders to work more efficiently by providing the resources, support, and training they need to reach their full potential and better serve our members.
Kyle Chambers
HE/hIM
Vice President
When UMass Amherst made the decision to privatize the UMass Amherst Foundation in 2022, Kyle became an outspoken proponent of union rights, choosing a productive outlet for the anger and betrayal he felt. Since then, he has become an easily recognizable and boisterous figure at union events. He also works on the Communications Committee, and currently serves on the committee tasked with representing USA’s stake in the ongoing Advancement privatization fight. As part of the Bargaining Team, he wrote and presented the framework for SBR involvement in bargaining to union members with the intent of ensuring accountability for everyone at the table.
As a working parent, Kyle advocates for better schools and resources for parents, both here at UMass Amherst and in his hometown of Holyoke. He coordinated with the Holyoke Teachers Association to collect signatures and canvass towards the successful Question #2 campaign, repealing the MCAS graduation requirement across the state.
As a Marine Corps veteran and former 911 Dispatcher for the City of Holyoke, Kyle brings to the team a storied history where cooperation was an indispensable virtue. He also developed training curricula in both roles, as he believes in fostering both confidence and proficiency in those he works with.
Ian Sedelow
HE/hIM
Grievance Officer
Ian Sedelow is proud to be a UMass Amherst employee, alumnus, and a dedicated member of the University Staff Association (USA). Over the years, Ian has played a vital role in the union’s efforts, serving as a member of the USA Board, a Steward, and a member of the USA contract negotiations team. Ian’s experience extends to labor organizing at both private and public institutions, providing him with valuable insights into advocating for workers’ rights.
With an educational background in labor and pre-law, Ian brings a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to the position of Grievance Officer. He is deeply committed to representing USA members, standing up for their rights, and holding management accountable.
As part of the Grassroots USA (GUSA) team, Ian will work with fellow GUSA candidates to strengthen the union through transparency, advocacy, and solidarity. Together, GUSA is committed to building a union that fights for fairness and equity for all members.
Camille Godbout-Chouinard
sHE/hER
Chief Steward
When Camille was hired at the UMass Amherst Libraries, she was excited to get involved in the union, but she didn’t anticipate she would need USA’s representation on her first day of work when her supervisor gave her a completely different work schedule than what was listed on the job posting! Thanks to USA, she was able to keep the schedule she was originally given. Since then Camille has become the Communications Committee Chair on the board, as well as a Steward, Silent Bargaining Representative Coordinator, and a member of the Negotiations Committee and Contract Action Team. In addition, she has helped organize rallies on campus with PSU and MSP. Camille’s organization, logistical thinking, creativity, and passion for unions will help grow USA into a strong union capable of winning the living wages, better working conditions, and benefits that we deserve.
As the Communications Committee Chair, Camille has rebuilt the committee, fine-tuned the USA Newsletter, and updated the USA website. She has dramatically increased transparency around bargaining by publishing timely Bargaining Updates and establishing a Bargaining Headquarters which includes sharing USA and management’s proposals directly with members, a first for USA.
As a Steward and member of the Negotiations Committee, Camille has hands-on experience with USA’s contract, and she is prepared to step up as the Chief Steward to continue Dora Ramos’ important work of training and transforming the Steward’s Council into a supported and energized group of union activists. A resilient and active Steward’s Council means more support and representation for members and better contract enforcement across the campus.
Antonia Lynch
sHE/hER
Membership Coordinator
After nearly ten years in a job she loved, Antonia unexpectedly found herself reaching out to the union in a plea for help. Through the aid of both USA and MTA, Antonia was able to transition to a new position (which she loves even more!), make sense of what happened, and move forward. Once settled into the new position, she decided to get involved and give back to the organization that helped save her livelihood. She now serves as an SBR Coordinator, and is on the Steward Council, the Negotiations Team, the Health and Safety Committee, and the Contract Action Team. As she’s gotten more and more involved, she’s come to realize that there is so much more that the union can offer to everyone, and the best way she can accomplish that goal is by running for the position of Membership Coordinator, a position that will allow her to connect with YOU and have your voice heard.
Deborah Place
sHE/hER
Communications Committee Chair
Deborah is a rank-and-file union volunteer ready to step up and run for office! After years of frustration with the lack of transparency and communication from the union, she decided to join the newly reestablished Communications Committee. Together, they co-write, format, and edit the USA newsletters, bargaining updates, website articles, and other union communications to ensure membership is informed of important issues that impact our lives. Through this work, she met union comrades (now GUSA candidates!) who shared the same goals. Together they started the Contract Action Team and the Silent Bargaining Representative program to not only increase member engagement, but also create meaningful relationships with membership. Within a year, she turned from union naysayer to union activist with their support and inspiring leadership. If elected as Communications Chair, she hopes to continue the committee’s work by collaborating closely with union leadership to ensure timely communications for meetings, union initiatives and membership votes, and by uplifting our members’ voices in our publications. Vote for the folks who empowered her, vote GUSA!
Andrea Lydick
sHE/hER
Special Project Coordinator
Andrea is USA’s District 13 Steward, an SBR Coordinator, and a member of the Contract Action Team. She works in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences as an Office Manager, a role that mirrors the position of Special Projects Coordinator in many ways. The position is meant to work in partnership with the other committee members to organize projects, devise strategies, and aid members. Andrea currently supports her team’s ability to work effectively, plan events, and coordinate teamwork – all of which Andrea is eager and excited to do on behalf of the union.
She experienced, as many of our union members do, the lack of continuity between leadership’s words and their actions. When elected as a steward, she responded enthusiastically to her confirmation email but was met with silence and disregard – no further action was taken for nearly six months. She found this unacceptable and resolved herself to making a positive change in the union so that no other members are met with such inaction or neglect. Every member matters and they should be treated with respect and their correspondence should receive the urgency it deserves.
Chris Weeks
HE/hIM
Recording Secretary
Chris Weeks is running for Recording Secretary because he believes it is impossible for the union to organize if it is not organized. In his position as field technician in Enrollment Management, he thrives when helping his colleagues overcome technical issues. He sees this position within the union as an opportunity to enhance communication and transparency by providing a detailed account of the union’s work on topics of interest to our members. Keeping in line with GUSA’s pillar of Transparency, he believes an open and democratic access to information is critical to the success of its membership.
Chris currently serves as a Union Steward to District 11, as an SBR Coordinator, and as a member of the Contract Action Team. He aims to bring his strong technical background to the table and modernize the way the union communicates and collaborates with its members. No longer will there be a one-way flow of information. He hopes to tear down the walls preventing collaboration and to build a bigger table.
Members of USA pose for a picture after delivering their demands to Chancellor Reyes.
USA and PSU members rally outside Whitmore to demand that Chancellor Reyes direct his bargaining team to reach an agreement with our unions.
The Gander
Front, L-R: Deborah, Camille, Antonia, Kyle
Back, L-R: Ian, Sheila, Andrea, Chris
GUSA Vice President candidate Kyle Chambers gives an impassioned speech at the Childcare Rally on November 1, 2024
Camille, Sheila, and Andrea keep the energy up at the Childcare Rally on November 1
GUSA members Antonia Lynch, Deborah Place, Camille Godbout-Chouinard, and Ian Sedelow at the Living Wage Rally
Kyle, Sheila, and Deborah support their PSU siblings’ struggle to bring SBRs to the bargaining table.
GUSA members Antonia Lynch, Deborah Place, and Camille Godbout-Chouinard join PSU members to create posters for the Living Wage Rally
Presidential candidate Sheila Gilmour gives a speech at the Living Wage rally.
Chris Weeks joins the chants at the Living Wage Rally
Members of USA gather for a picture at the Living Wage Rally.
GUSA (Goose-AH)
Like the Canada Goose that can be found all around campus, we too are expected to survive on the scraps that are given to us. 113 years after the Bread and Roses strikes in Lawrence, MA, we are still fighting for fair wages and dignified conditions. Pizza and Roses is the same campaign, updated for the 21st Century, a time in which management and other leadership tries to buy off our loyalty with pizza parties. GUSA has come together to say “ENOUGH! We deserve better!” If you want a union that listens to your concerns, that brings your voice forward, empowers you, and builds a better way forward, join our flock! Together, we are stronger, and together, we cannot be silenced.
Our Pillars
We believe that unions work best when they work for their members. USA leaders must put YOU, the members, first if we are to build a strong union. We must approach every issue with Transparency and Accountability at the forefront; this is YOUR union, and we answer to you every step of the way. By taking a Member-Centered Approach, we ensure that every action we take is in the best interest of the membership. We promise Timely Communications, not only to keep you informed and help you learn what an issue means for you, but also to solicit feedback and help you get involved in strengthening our union.
Transparency and Accountability
Share out accessible information
Re-establish the Judiciary Committee to hold union leaders accountable
Collaborated with UMass unions to create coalition proposals on anti-privatization, protections against AI, and a 7-step salary scale that would be transformative for our membership
Expanded the bargaining team to include rank-and-file membership as Silent Bargaining Representatives (SBRs)
Recognized the need for more member empowerment in bargaining, encouraged participation and applied SBR expertise in proposal and counter proposal development
Attended MTA conference workshops to work toward our MTA bargaining certificates and develop essential skills to bring to the bargaining table
Actions and Campaigns
Stepped up to assemble a Contract Action Team (CAT) ready to fight for a great contract
Co-organized the Child Care and Living Wage rallies with other unions on campus to engage members in issues that impact all of us
Organized with classified UMass unions across the state on the UMass Unions United Living Wage petition campaign to fight for better wages for our members
Supported the MTA by volunteering on local Yes on 2 phone banking and flyering campaigns
Day to Day Union Activities
Reestablished the Communications Committee to ensure membership would receive timely and transparent communications about bargaining and important union actions
Elected as stewards and successfully pushed to reconvene the Steward’s Council and refocus on training and contract language education
Regularly attend the Multi-Union Momentum and UMass Unions United meetings to build resilient cross-union relationships to strengthen worker power at UMass Amherst. Together we are stronger!
Endorse Us!
Join the 35 other USA members in supporting GUSA candidates in the upcoming election!
show your support by Signing this form. You can also add a testimonial.
Don’t forget to vote between March 20 and 27!
Here’s what union members across campus have said about GUSA:
Zander Crowley
Zander Crowley (Interdisciplinary Programs)
My experience working with the union was made possible because I knew people higher up who helped me navigate the many complicated steps to getting help to get out of a toxic work environment. I am so grateful for the help that Sheila gave me, not just in the personal advice, listening and time she was able to spend but the practical ways in which she helped me understand what my rights were and how to use the resources I had available to me. I am so grateful for what she was able to do for me. I completely support her as president.
Devin Suozzi-Rearic
Devin Suozzi-Rearic (UMass Amherst Libraries)
As an SBR, I have had regular contact with all GUSA candidates. Every one of them has been thoughtful, engaged, and shown deep dedication to building a stronger USA union. These are highly involved union members and leaders, ready to step into further leadership roles and transform how USA operates. I have also seen firsthand the lack of transparency and communication from current USA leadership and believe not only that USA is ready for a change, but that GUSA candidates are the right people to take on moving USA in a better, more transparent and more democratic direction. Vote GUSA for USA!
Ben Chase
Ben Chase (UMass Amherst Libraries)
I work with some of these folks and see their dedication to the campus community every day. They work directly with staff, students and faculty to advance our cutting-edge research. I see the passion this group has when I’ve attended meetings and rallies. I’m excited for what they’ll bring to the table to further advance staff in these uncertain times. In solidarity.
Benjamin Paul
Benjamin Paul (UMass Amherst Libraries)
I feel that all of these candidates bring a very strong commitment to creating a member-centered culture that centers transparency, accountability and democracy in USA that was not at the center prior to this point. I fully endorse these values and the efforts and hard work of the folx in this group!
Mackenzie McCarthy
Mackenzie McCarthy (Registrar’s Office)
As a newer employee at UMass Amherst I am so grateful to work with both Sheila and Kyle in the Registrar’s Office. From the first day on the job they have been there to provide support and guidance in regards to the union and contract. It is clear from our daily interactions how much they care about our Union and seeing success and change for the members. I can’t wait to see the change they can create and fully endorse all of the GUSA candidates.
John Slavkovsky
John Slavkovsky (UMass Amherst Libraries, Bargaining Team Member)
This slate of candidates is full of trusted colleagues whom I’ve seen directly making the union more organized and effective. They’re fighters who will do their damnedest to fend off shady practices and get us the best contract possible, and involve union membership to keep us accountable at every step. The recent improvements in transparency came straight from this group, sometimes after having to pull teeth with our union leadership to make it happen. I’m often cranky with the union over some past practices, but in the GUSA folks I see what the union ought to be.
Jonah Carlson
Jonah Carlson (PSU Member, Student Services, University Without Walls)
I do student services for University Without Walls, and was a USA member for five years before recently being reclassified to PSU. As a member of the USA bargaining team during the last three contracts, I’ve seen first-hand how GUSA has shaken up the status quo to make USA bargaining more transparent and democratic, despite resistance from current union leadership. They have been great partners with the other campus unions in building worker power and unity, and I fully endorse their agenda, which will make USA more open and effective. With 1 in 3 USA members currently food insecure, building a stronger union is more urgent than ever.
Marcus Widitor
Marcus Widitor (UMass Donahue Institute)
I’m a big fan of how they get regular rank and file members involved, strengthening union democracy. I think this is exactly the kind of leadership we need if we want to win a good contract.
Casey Krone
Casey Krone (Commonwealth Honors College, Health and Safety Coordinator)
I have seen the great work done by the Grassroots USA folks up close over the last 6 months. They have been an incredible part of the bargaining team, the negotiations team, the Contract Action Team, and getting the Silent Bargaining Representative program up and running. Their energy and enthusiasm are extremely high and I would love to see them continue to grow into leadership roles with USA. They show up every day to do the work of standing up to management and organizing our members to fight for better wages and benefits, for a strong and democratic USA, and for strong locals working together across the state to bargain for the common good. Vote Grassroots USA!
Casey Krone
Hannah Maynard (Enrollment Management)
Thank you all for putting in the work to make UMass Amherst a better place to work! I am so looking forward to seeing what you all will accomplish. Best of luck to you all!
