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AFSCME is taking a proactive role in changing the media/publics perspective of union state workers.

In response to a derogatory Boston Herald article, Kevin Hanley, President of Local 1067, wrote a response to the editor, which is below.

Great news for our Campus Police Officers at Framingham State University!

Framingham State trustees vote to arm campus officers

By Scott O'Connell/Daily News staff MetroWest Daily News

Calling it an unfortunate but necessary response to the growing threat of campus shootings, the Framingham State University Board of Trustees last night voted unanimously to arm the school's police.

Board members said they are impressed by the campus police's recently attained state accreditation and expressed confidence in officers' abilities to carry guns. But some members also had lingering reservations, and urged close monitoring throughout the first year of implementation.

"There's a compelling case for arming," said board Chairman Raymond Boulanger. "I wish it weren't necessary. But I think in this world, we have to plan for the worst." The issue of arming campus police at Framingham State — one of the last public universities in the state to do so — first came up five years ago in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre, the worst campus shooting in history. Thirty-two people were killed and another 17 wounded in two separate attacks by a single gunman.

At that time, the Framingham board held off on making a decision as the police department's focus shifted to earning accreditation. The summer of 2008 also produced a best practices report focusing on campus safety that recommended 27 steps for Framingham State to take. "We have fully implemented 25," said university President Timothy Flanagan, including accreditation of the police department this past winter. One of the last remaining steps was to arm police. Last month, campus Police Chief Brad Medeiros, officers in his department, and members of the Framingham Police force lobbied for the move at two forums for students and neighbors to the school. Their main argument has been that campus officers will be better able to save lives in the event of a campus shooting if they don't have to wait for armed police from the town to arrive.

Proponents also say the officers themselves will be better protected if they carry guns; Boulanger said he was uncomfortable, for example, sending police into potentially dangerous situations armed "with no more than pepper spray." Several board members last night said they still aren't sure if the threat level on campus warrants the step. Some worried about the response of students and faculty, as well as the potential for litigation in the event of a police shooting. Student trustee Kendra Sampson, a senior, said there is a prevalent opinion on campus that "it would create even more of a power divide between not just police, but all authority figures on campus."

"If you add a gun, it changes everything," she said. Many board members said they favor holding an extensive review of the implementation of guns next May; some said they would like the subject to be discussed at all trustee meetings over the next year. Medeiros said he would have no problem with that. "It's been a long process," he said. "We have a very professional police department, and that's something we'll strive to maintain."

Great job Framingham AFSCME Sisters and Brothers, I now all of you worked hard on this.

40th International Convention

Nearly 5,000 AFSCME delegates will convene this summer in Los Angeles to set the union’s course for the next two years at the 40th International Convention. Convention delegates will meet June 18-22 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Read a message from the International Secretary-Treasurer.

See results from AFSCME 1067 election for delegates here.

Workers Memorial Day: A Reminder of Unfinished Work

Millions of public employees work in jobs that don't provide adequate safety protections.

NH Gov. Praises Public Workers

AFSCME Calls for Congress to “Stop Their Games and Get to Work”

"Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee after Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address."

Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN): People ought to be scared

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was chosen to deliver the response to the State of the Union. Here's why that's

We’re Not Backing Down

This message is from Pres. Gerald W. McEntee and Sec.-Treas. Lee Saunders.

Election Results!

Click here for the presentation!!

President Kevin Hanley offers Congratulations

AFSCME, Local 1067, President, Kevin Hanley wishes Past President of the AFL-CIO, Robert Haynes, best wishes and New President Steven Tolman, best of luck. Congratulation to our own AFSCME Council 93, Jen Springer on her newly elected position of V.P. to the AFL-CIO. Tiger Stockbridge, our watch dog as Sergeant-at-Arms.
 

I am Ohio.....We are AFSCME
Watch the video below to see solidarity in action.

The Struggle Continues

On April 4, 2011, we came together across the country to stand in solidarity with working people who are fighting attempts by
corporate-bought politicians to take away the rights Dr. King gave his life for. More »

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