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Today, Firemen & Oilers, Local 3, SEIU members at the Boston Sheraton Hotel voted to ratify a four-year collective bargaining agreement with Marriott. The agreement includes an average yearly raise of 4%, paid bargaining time for the steward, successorship language to protect the union contract in the event of a hotel sale, and protections against subcontracting. Our members also secured a bonus of up to $12,000 for the closure of part of the hotel in 2022. Local 3 members secured these wins through confrontational direct action and tough negotiating. After management had delayed paying out the bonus, our members staged a delegation where members walked together as a union into the General Manager’s office. That led to a meeting where our members explained their concerns and frustrations about the delayed bonus payout. We believe that this show of strength also helped our members secure excellent raises in this contract.

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Introduction:


The Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) is a law that enables immigrants without authorized status to seek a regular Massachusetts driver's license by providing specific proofs of identity and residency within the state. The Registry of Motor Vehicles has provided comprehensive information on the application process and online registration for appointments at mass.gov/wfma.


Expanding Access to Driver's Licenses:


Under the newly implemented WFMA, Massachusetts residents are no longer required to prove their legal immigration status when applying for a driver's license. This move acknowledges the crucial role that driver's licenses play in enabling individuals to commute to work, access education, and fulfill their family responsibilities. By eliminating the immigration status requirement, the state aims to foster inclusivity, enhance road safety, and support the economic and social well-being of all its residents.


The Importance of Driver's Licenses:


Driver's licenses are not just a means of transportation; they represent independence, opportunity, and basic civil rights. They enable individuals to participate fully in society, facilitating access to employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services. With the implementation of the WFMA, Massachusetts recognizes the importance of empowering all residents to engage in these activities without fear or barriers.


Impact on Immigrant Communities:


The Work and Family Mobility Act has particularly significant implications for immigrant communities in Massachusetts. Previously, many individuals faced challenges in obtaining driver's licenses due to their immigration status, which restricted their ability to work, provide for their families, and contribute to the local economy. With the WFMA, undocumented immigrants, as well as those with temporary or non-immigrant statuses, can now apply for a driver's license, granting them increased mobility, security, and integration within their communities.


Enhancing Road Safety:


The implementation of the WFMA also serves to enhance road safety. By extending driver's license eligibility to a wider population, the law encourages all individuals to obtain licenses and undergo the necessary training and testing. This, in turn, leads to a more educated and responsible driver base, reducing the number of unlicensed and uninsured motorists on the roads. Moreover, licensed drivers are more likely to comply with traffic laws and regulations, ultimately improving overall road safety for everyone.


Collaboration and Support:


The passage of the WFMA was the result of a collaborative effort between community organizations, unions, advocates, and policymakers. Through their persistent efforts and the support of various other organizations, the WFMA became law, providing a foundation for inclusivity and equality in Massachusetts.


Important Links:


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Introducción:


La Ley de Movilidad Laboral y Familiar (WFMA) es una ley que permite a los inmigrantes sin estatus legal solicitar una licencia de conducir regular de Massachusetts proporcionando pruebas específicas de identidad y residencia dentro del estado. El Registro de Vehículos de Motor ha proporcionado información detallada sobre el proceso de solicitud y el registro en línea para citas en mass.gov/wfma.


Ampliando el acceso a las licencias de conducir:


Con la recién implementada WFMA, los residentes de Massachusetts ya no están obligados a demostrar su estatus migratorio legal al solicitar una licencia de conducir. Esta medida reconoce el papel crucial que desempeñan las licencias de conducir para permitir a las personas viajar al trabajo, acceder a la educación y cumplir con sus responsabilidades familiares. Al eliminar el requisito del estatus migratorio, el estado tiene como objetivo fomentar la inclusión, mejorar la seguridad vial y apoyar el bienestar económico y social de todos sus residentes.


La importancia de las licencias de conducir:


Las licencias de conducir no son solo un medio de transporte; representan independencia, oportunidad y derechos civiles básicos. Permiten a las personas participar plenamente en la sociedad, facilitando el acceso al empleo, la educación, la atención médica y otros servicios esenciales. Con la implementación de la WFMA, Massachusetts reconoce la importancia de capacitar a todos los residentes para que participen en estas actividades sin miedo ni barreras.


Impacto en las comunidades inmigrantes:


La Ley de Movilidad Laboral y Familiar tiene implicaciones particularmente significativas para las comunidades inmigrantes en Massachusetts. Anteriormente, muchas personas enfrentaban desafíos para obtener licencias de conducir debido a su estatus migratorio, lo que limitaba su capacidad para trabajar, mantener a sus familias y contribuir a la economía local. Con la WFMA, los inmigrantes indocumentados, así como aquellos con estatus migratorios temporales o no inmigrantes, ahora pueden solicitar una licencia de conducir, lo que les otorga una mayor movilidad, seguridad e integración en sus comunidades.


Mejorando la seguridad vial:


La implementación de la WFMA también sirve para mejorar la seguridad vial. Al ampliar la elegibilidad para obtener licencias de conducir a una población más amplia, la ley alienta a todas las personas a obtener licencias y someterse a la capacitación y las pruebas necesarias. Esto, a su vez, conduce a una base de conductores más educada y responsable, lo que reduce el número de conductores sin licencia y sin seguro en las carreteras. Además, los conductores con licencia tienen más probabilidades de cumplir con las leyes y regulaciones de tránsito, lo que en última instancia mejora la seguridad vial en general para todos.


Colaboración y apoyo:


La aprobación de la WFMA fue el resultado de un esfuerzo colaborativo entre organizaciones comunitarias, sindicatos, defensores y legisladores. A través de sus esfuerzos persistentes y el apoyo de diversas organizaciones, la WFMA se convirtió en ley, proporcionando una base para la inclusión y la igualdad en Massachusetts.


Enlaces importantes:


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