Respect in the Workplace Survey: Let SHARE Know What Matters to YOU
Dear SHARE member,
Please fill out this SHARE survey about respect and how it feels to be at work. Just click: SHARE Respect Survey
Preparing for Contract Negotiations this Year
This is our 2nd survey, getting us ready for contract negotiations. (Many thanks to the 1300 SHARE Members who filled out the survey about career advancement!) This survey focuses on what if feels like to work here:
How are SHARE members doing?
Do you want to stay at UMass Memorial?
What’s it like working with your supervisor/manager?
Is your Unit Based Team (if you have one) helping make work better?
Have you ever been called to a meeting with your manager about your work? What was it like?
What do you think of the work that the SHARE Union is doing?
How SHARE Will Use the Surveys
The surveys are anonymous. SHARE presents the data for our whole union to management in our negotiations. After this survey is completed, the 3rd and final SHARE survey will be about our overall priorities for negotiations, raises, health insurance, etc, as well as about how technology is changing jobs.
Your Voice Matters
The SHARE member surveys accomplish many goals:
Clarify SHARE members’ priorities for negotiations
Help us understand what issues matter most for which groups of SHARE members
Document SHARE members opinions to show to management in negotiations
It's Quick!
Please take the time (10 minutes) to fill out the SHARE survey. The SHARE Negotiating Team really appreciates your input.
Thank you!!
-- The SHARE Negotiating Team
2026 UBT Fairs
Celebrate 10 years of the SHARE-UMass Memorial Partnership Agreement — and the many ways that SHARE members have made their own departments a better place to work during the past decade — at this year’s UBT Fairs. Special guests, raffle, activities, and more. Plus, sandwiches provided!
Frontline Scholars Program
SHARE is excited to support UMass Memorial’s Frontline Scholars Program, which provides support to caregivers in certain degree programs. This is a fantastic opportunity for SHARE members looking to advance their careers in “hot jobs” at our hospital.
Note the upcoming information session on 3/31. Links in this image of the flyer won’t work, but you can use the button below, or scan the QR code, at that time to join the meeting.
SHARE Updates: Career Survey, College Scholarship, Home Ownership Assistance & More
What SHARE’s Been Doing
As our union prepares its priorities for Contract Negotiations later this year, we’re evaluating where we’re at, and where we’ve been. 2025 was a year of record growth: SHARE is now over 3600 members strong.
In the final year of our current contract period, SHARE membership continues to pay itself off with good, affordable health insurance, a Defined Benefit Pension, solid raises, and much more.
SHARE welcomed over 500 new members, supported members in over 1000 disciplinary and Problem-Solving meetings with management, and had countless one-on-one conversations about making things better in SHARE departments.
SHARE members met challenges with the Winter census surge, advocating for a good deal with BCBS, and using their UBT’s to remove obstacles that have been in the way of smoother patient care.
Steven Gjanci received the 2025 $1000 Central Massachusetts AFL-CIO scholarship. His mother, Greta Gjanci, is a Medical Assistant and SHARE member in the Family Medicine Clinic on the Hahnemann campus.
2026 Central Mass AFL-CIO Scholarship
SHARE members again have the opportunity to apply for a valuable education resource: the Central Massachusetts AFL-CIO College Scholarship. The lottery for these scholarships will be open to any SHARE members, as well as children and grandchildren of our members, who will graduate from high school this year and attend college next year. We’d love to see another winner from SHARE this year!
Career Survey
All SHARE members were recently emailed about the first in a series of surveys to help SHARE focus its priorities for Contract Negotiations 2026. Let SHARE know what matters to you. Your feedback about your career goals will help SHARE focus our priorities in our upcoming contract negotiations, as well as in our partnership work with the hospital’s Career Development program. The survey is anonymous, and takes less than 10 minutes.
From the Partnership Office: UBTs Leveling Up
Unit Based Teams are a key way for SHARE members to make improvements in their own workplace. These department-level teams have taken on a wide range of projects and yielded fantastic successes. Along the way, each UBT is deepening its problem-solving skills and ability to work as a team, which is measured on a “Path to Performance.” Check out this recent story about the advancement of SHARE UBTs.
The Interpreter Services UBT is one of ten Teams who impressively reached Level 4 on the Path to Performance last year. Keep up the fantastic work!
Rental Loan & Mortgage Assistance Programs
Being a union member makes it easier to rent or own your home!
SHARE-UMassFive Rental Assistance Loan
Many SHARE members have already benefitted from SHARE’s partnership with UMassFive: we’ve designed a low-interest loan program for members who are actively moving to a new apartment or rental home and may need help with moving costs (first month, last month, and/or security deposit). This loan is exclusive to SHARE members, and allows you to borrow up to $4000 at low interest and pay it back through paycheck reduction over 18 months.
Union Plus Mortgage Program
SHARE members are also eligible for Union Plus benefits. If you're an active or retired union member or an eligible family member, you may be able to take advantage of these exclusive mortgage benefits:
When you're a verified union member, finance your home through the Union Plus® Mortgage Program1 and mention your eligibility to receive a My Mortgage GiftSM award after closing.2
Select a gift or an award card for use at participating retailers – a $500 value when buying a home or $300 value for refinancing your home.
Talk to us about the Union Plus mortgage assistance program, which provides an interest-free mortgage assistance loan or grant in the event you experience an unexpected loss of income.3
2026 Central Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship
If you have children or grandchildren who will graduate from high school and attend college next year, please be aware of the Central Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship. In recent years, SHARE families have consistently benefitted from this award, and we are glad to be able to announce this scholarship is being offered again. The SHARE office received this year’s annual notice, below, from Joe Carlson, President of the Central Massachusetts AFL/CIO.
TIPS FOR APPLYING
Please note that the union affiliation should be identified as AFSCME/SHARE. Members at UMass Memorial (including Marlborough Hospital) are in Local Union Number 3900. Applications should NOT be sent to the SHARE office.
OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Keep your eye on the SHARE blog for more #scholarships. For additional educational opportunities, check out posts tagged #education.
SHARE in 2025
As our union prepares its priorities for Contract Negotiations later this year, we’re evaluating where we’re at, and where we’ve been.
In 2025, it remained true that the value of what SHARE negotiated – such as raises, pension contributions, and the health insurance premium split -- continued to far exceed the cost of dues, so that membership costs continue to be a very worthwhile investment.
As every year, SHARE leaders supported members directly in formal disciplinary meetings (0ver 1,000 in 2025). We processed fewer Rental Assistance Loan pre-applications than last year (about 70). And SHARE Organizers and Reps worked to help provide ways for every member to have a personal connection with SHARE, resulting in countless conversations union-wide.
RECORD GROWTH
Last year was a growing year for SHARE: our union now includes over 3600 members. We welcomed over 800 new employees to our union at New Caregiver Welcome, and had individual conversations with over 500 of those members in their new departments.
The Denials & Specialty Billing UBT was one of many who advanced a level in the Path to Performance, and is one of the few teams so far to have reached the lofty Level 4
UNIT BASED TEAMS
The cornerstone of SHARE’s partnership with UMass Memorial, UBTs grew in number and development, with more than seventy teams participating on projects that made their departments a better place to work, while saving the hospital money and improving patient care.
OTHER PARTNERSHIP WITH UMASS MEMORIAL
The SHARE-UMass Memorial Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program recognized its first graduating class—the first registered apprenticeship in healthcare in Central Massachusetts. The event was attended by hospital and SHARE leaders, as well as state officials, including Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler, who praised the graduates as examples of the value of investing in workforce development.
Career Development Initiatives for SHARE Members
In 2025, SHARE continued to partner on career pathways & skills programs, including “earn and learn” programs such as the MA Apprenticeship and the PCT Pathway Program. We also promoted the hospital’s programs on career coaching, medical terminology, and citizenship interview preparation.
UMass Memorial System Priorities
When our interests overlap, SHARE work with hospital leaders around UMass Memorial’s System priorities, including:
Blue Cross negotiations: Recognizing that a failed contract deal between our hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts could be detrimental to UMass Memorial’s budget and devastating to Central Massachusetts patients, SHARE mobilized member communications to BCBS MA. SHARE’s Executive Board wrote a strong letter and SHARE members wrote hundreds of email messages to the insurer’s CEO; days later, a three-year agreement was announced, keeping UMass Memorial in network for BCBSMA members.
Winter census surge: Among other things, SHARE supported caregivers, connecting caregivers and escalating concerns, during the North Pavilion launch that increased bed capacity and helped decompress the ED.
Analyzing the federal budget debate and impending Medicaid cuts. SHARE has been working with UMass Memorial to understand the evolving discussions in Washington, DC, and the likely downstream impacts on safety net hospitals, including UMass Memorial.
SHARE Unit Based Teams accepted UMass Memorial’s challenge to “Find the 4%” financial sustainability push. Unit Based Teams (UBTs) gave frontline members a voice to reduce waste and improve processes, directly supporting the hospital’s systemwide effort to recover 4% through efficiency and better revenue capture.
RESEARCHING TECHNOLOGY TRENDS (INCLUDING AI)
With the increasing implementation of Artificial Intelligence, SHARE has been developing relationships with experts, comparing information with other unions, and learning everything it can. We’re confident our preparations can have a significant impact and improve our ability to bargain effectively about the impacts of AI on SHARE members. We want to prevent technology from displacing SHARE members, instead using AI as a tool to help SHARE members do their jobs well, with less stress.
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Winter 2025
In early 2025, the North Pavilion opened at UMass Memorial University Campus (adding 72 beds). SHARE celebrated and supported members through the complex transition of opening the new inpatient facility—thanking both seasoned and brand new SHARE caregivers for making the launch a success and helping members to raise questions and concerns during the move in period.new SHARE in
Rep & Executive Board nominations & elections. SHARE encouraged members to get more involved as elected Reps or Executive Board members—positions that “keep our union connected” and anchor everyday problem solving across departments. solving across departments.
Spring 2025
Rep & Executive Board onboarding: The SHARE Union elected over 80 SHARE Representatives. Roughly half of SHARE’s Executive Board is newly-elected to their roles there. We’ve been working to skill-up and build a strong team to guide our union and do the work that needs doing.
UBT Fair at the University campus
UBT Fairs: Over 1600 participants came together at events on the Hahnemann, Memorial, and University campuses to celebrate the successes of SHARE Unit Based Teams and learn from one another.
Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) clinicians organized a new union as SHARE CHA. Impressed by what they’ve seen of our union, this election brought hundreds of CHA physicians, PAs, psychologists together into the SHARE family. Representatives from our union are working with them as they form their own union and negotiate their first contract.
Summer 2025
We welcomed Walt! Our union’s newest staff organizer, Walt, joined the SHARE organizing team to strengthen information systems alongside core organizing duties. There’s a lot to learn on this job, but he’s a quick study, and already making a big difference for our union.
Retirement education. SHARE hosted sessions and created/upgraded content explaining the Defined Benefit Pension and 401(k) match, continuing its longstanding emphasis on retirement security.standing emphasis on retirement security.
Fall 2025
Raises for SHARE members: the final year of the 2022–2026 wage agreement yielded a 4% (or $1.00/hr) raise, whichever was greater for each member
Medical Assistant Apprenticeship milestones & recruiting. SHARE, in partnership with UMass Memorial Workforce Development, celebrated the first graduating cohort of the registered MA Apprenticeship (the first registered healthcare apprenticeship in Central MA)
Health insurance changes, Open Enrollment, and BCBSMA. As the hospital negotiated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for 2026 reimbursement rates, open enrollment became very confusing. SHARE answered member questions, clarifying what negotiations meant for employees’ access to UMass Memorial care.
Remote work & flexibility. SHARE continued to support department level planning (e.g., severe weather and contingency policies) and remote work practices that have grown since the pandemic, while engaging management via the Labor Management Partnership to adapt policies as operations evolve.
Milford integration. SHARE welcomes employees from revenue cycle jobs at Milford Regional Medical Center to SHARE jobs in the UMass Memorial revenue cycle.
Let’s Keep Talking
In 2026, SHARE will continue our intensive one-to-one organizing model, holding countless more conversations, keeping our union strong, and honing our strategies for negotiating the next Contract Agreement. We’ll hold more information meetings and surveys to round up ideas and interests. And we’ll continue to revise the SHARE website, which saw over 36000 visits last year, including 6800 views of the Contract agreement and 1600 views of the site’s new Retirement section. More to come!
Career Survey: Let SHARE Know What Matters to YOU
All SHARE members were emailed the below message about the first in a series of surveys to help SHARE focus its priorities for Contract Negotiations 2026. Let SHARE know what matters to you!
Dear SHARE member,
Please fill out this SHARE survey about your career – Are you happy with your current job? Do you want to learn something new? Are you taking classes?
Just click: SHARE Career Survey
Preparing for Contract Negotiations this Year
As you may know, SHARE and UMass Memorial will be negotiating our next contract this year. While SHARE Organizers and Reps are constantly talking to SHARE members about what matters to them, in contract years we also do surveys to get your input about what we should be negotiating. This is the first of those surveys for this year – we think there will be 2 more, on other topics (like health insurance and raises).
The surveys are anonymous. SHARE presents the data for our union to management in our negotiations.
Why Your Input Matters
The SHARE members surveys accomplish many goals:
Clarify SHARE members’ priorities for negotiations
Help us understand what issues matter most for which groups of SHARE members
Document SHARE members opinions to show to management in negotiations
Please take the time (10 minutes, more or less) to fill out the SHARE survey -- We really appreciate it!
-- The SHARE Organizer Team
Severe Weather
Massachusetts’ Governor has declared a state of emergency due to tomorrow’s blizzard, and UMass Memorial clinics will be closed through the morning. Ambulatory managers should be reaching out to staff in each department with more specific directives about staffing. Below you can find:
Directions for what to do if you would like to work but your clinic is closed
A copy of the email sent from UMMH to caregivers’ work emails
Information about SHARE’s negotiated severe weather policies
VOLUNTEERING FOR REASSIGNMENT
If the Medical Center closes any part of its operation and work areas are closed, a caregiver can choose to use PTO, go unpaid, or may choose to report to the appropriate campus and contact the nursing supervisor at the numbers below to be reassigned:
Memorial and Hahnemann Campuses: Memorial Nurse Supervisor at 774-261-3930
University Campus or North Pavilion: University Nurse Supervisor at 508-963-0830
Marlborough Campus: Marlborough Nurse Supervisor at 508-801-9371
SHARE UMass Memorial Contract Language Regarding Severe Weather
And your Own Department’s Specific guidelines
Reprinted from previous SHARE emails, most recently December 5, 2025
SHARE’s full severe weather policy is posted below. The short summary is this: "All employees are expected to report to work, unless the severe weather plan in their department allows them to stay home." If you do not know if there’s a department-specific plan for your area, you should check with your supervisor or manager.
Please take good care when making decisions about traveling in extreme weather. Also, please contact the SHARE office (508-929-4020) if you have questions, or would like help developing or revising a plan in your own department.
severe weather
from SHARE-UMass Memorial Contract Agreement, page 82
UMass Memorial is an essential community service and as such will continue its operations without regard to weather conditions. However, UMass Memorial and SHARE recognize that severe weather conditions can interfere with the ability of employees to come to work, and agree to the following:
Staffing plans
The CNO, CMO, Hospital President and Vice-Presidents are responsible for developing a fair and equitable staffing plan to ensure continued essential services, and for informing employees of staffing and attendance requirements.
In order for employees to know what their responsibilities are in the case of severe weather, departments are encouraged to develop plans for their areas within the framework of the hospital plan described above. Employees are encouraged to participate in the development of the plan for their department. Department severe weather plans could include: what staffing level is required in the case of severe weather (such as full staffing, skeletal staffing, or no staffing necessary); how employees will find out if they are required to be at work that day, who to call and how to reach them; and whether there is a difference in their department between the plan for severe weather and the plan for a declared state of emergency. Department managers should review the severe weather plan for their department with all employees annually before winter weather begins.
All employees are expected to report to work, unless the severe weather plan in their department allows them to stay home.
Staying at work
Employees who are working during severe weather conditions are expected to work through the end of their assigned work shift unless they are excused earlier. In extreme situations, employees may be required to work beyond the end of their normal scheduled work shift if the manager determines it necessary to meet patient care and operational needs. SHARE overtime rules will apply.
Department closing, early dismissal
If a department is closed for all or part of the day due to severe weather, employees may go home (see pay for missed hours) or choose to report to/remain at work. The hospital may assign people who stay at work to perform different functions than their normal job. For a work assignment in an area other than your own, page the nursing supervisor/bed management: for the University campus, pager #2044; for the Memorial campus (on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays) pager #3318.
Grace period for late arrivals
The office of the CEO or his/her designee may establish a paid grace period for arriving late to work. The length of the grace period will be based on the severity of the weather conditions.
Pay for missed hours
Other than late arrivals covered by an established grace period, employees who miss all or part of their work shift may use earned, vacation or personal time, or choose to go unpaid for the hours they missed. When appropriate, an employee may make up the time that week, by mutual consent between the employee and the supervisor. Made up hours will be paid at straight time unless weekly hours total more than 40.
Excused and unexcused absences
If an employee does not work because the department is closed, or because they are not required to come to work, it will be considered an excused absence. Late arrivals covered by an established grace period will be considered an excused absence. Other absences from work on a severe weather day will be considered unexcused.
Transportation
When severe weather makes travel unsafe, or in a state of emergency, transportation assistance may be available. Requests for assistance should be directed to the nursing supervisor/bed management: for the University campus, pager #2044; for the Memorial campus (on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays) pager #3318. When necessary, communication with external bodies such as the National Guard and ambulance carriers will be coordinated through these offices.
From the Partnership Office: Leveling Up
In case you missed it — and, because we really value the achievements of these teams — we’re reprinting the below article from UMass Memorial’s Hub. Unit Based Teams (or UBTs) are at the core of SHARE’s mission. UBTs are designed to put SHARE members directly in the driver’s seat, designing their own work in the ways that make the most sense. Developing a high-level UBT makes it easier to deliver care to be proud of.
The SHARE UMass Memorial Partnership Office comprises a crack team of Continuous Improvement Coaches, as well as a Program Coordinator. They facilitate UBT meetings, measure the progress, and help find the tools and strategies to get things done. At least, that’s the Coaches’ initial role with each Team. As the Teams develop and mature, they’re more self-reliant . . . and, hopefully, more easily able to find happiness and satisfaction in their work.
The End of Temporary Protected Status for US Immigrants -- Resources for SHARE Members
SHARE knows that the upcoming end of the federal government’s Temporary Protected Status program has the potential to cause real hardship for some SHARE members and their loved ones. Our union is here to support you and help you find the resources you need.
The AFL-CIO (the nation-wide federation of unions which includes SHARE) has compiled an online collection of resources, in multiple languages, which help to explain your rights and things to know about changes to US immigration policies, including Temporary Protected Status.
SHARE also encourage members to take advantage of the many resources provided by UMass Memorial Hospital, described below . . .
Support and Resources for Caregivers Dealing with the End of Temporary Protected Status
Information for Our Caregivers and Patients
The U.S. government has announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants will end in February 2026. The Department of Homeland Security also plans to end TPS programs for a number of other countries in the coming months.
We understand this news may bring uncertainty and stress for some of our caregivers, as well as for their families and friends. Please know that you are valued, and you are not alone. Immigrants from a number of other nations are also under TPS with various end dates. Learn more about TPS and end dates.
At UMass Memorial Health, our mission is rooted in caring for people — patients and caregivers alike. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and safe. If you are impacted by this change, we encourage you to explore the resources we’ve gathered to help you navigate this challenging time.
Support Through the Employee Assistance Program
We understand this is a difficult time for caregivers from countries where TPS status is ending, or for those who have friends or family members from such countries. Please take this opportunity to care for each other, lean on each other and take advantage of the following Optum Employee Assistance Program resources that are available to help.
In addition, our Optum Employee Assistance Program offers the following that may be helpful to caregivers at all UMass Memorial entities:
Access free Employee Assistance Program counselors 24/7: Call 866-263-3525
Access to counselors is also available on the go via Talkspace
Immigrant & Refugee Resources Throughout Central Massachusetts
Friendly House – Office of New Americans (ONA)
Helps immigrant and refugee families navigate services (form completion, notarizing, translation/interpretation), and connects to basic needs supports; walk‑in assistance is available during weekday hours.Catholic Charities of Worcester County – Immigration Legal Assistance
DOJ‑recognized program offering family‑based petitions, adjustment of status, work authorization, humanitarian relief (VAWA, U/T visas, asylum), and citizenship classes; service area across Worcester County; appointments required.Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP)
Community network supporting refugees with mentoring, advocacy, educational assistance, and housing support campaigns.Worcester RISE for Health (Refugee & Immigrant Support & Empowerment)
Provides culturally responsive, trauma‑informed health navigation and support services for refugees and immigrants in Worcester and surrounding towns.Ascentria Care Alliance – Refugee & Immigrant Services
Resettlement (“Services for New Americans”) and Immigration Legal Assistance Program offering low‑/no‑cost representation (family petitions, SIJS, TPS, VAWA, U/T visas, asylum), plus employment and language access via Language Bank.Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC)
Grassroots agency (Worcester, Boston, Lynn) providing refugee resettlement, post‑resettlement support, counseling, community education, and outreach. Worcester office on Chestnut Street.New England Justice for Our Neighbors (NEJFON)
Free immigration legal clinics serving Western, Central, and Northeast MA; focuses on humanitarian relief (asylum, SIJS, U/T, VAWA), with remote and in‑person appointments; clinics operate monthly in several cities (including Worcester).Central West Justice Center
Countywide civil legal aid; Central West Justice Center handles humanitarian immigration matters (asylum, VAWA, U/T visas) for low‑income residents; Fitchburg and Worcester offices.Massachusetts Office for Refugees & Immigrants (ORI) – Toolkits & Referrals
State programs for newcomers: citizenship assistance (CNAP), financial literacy, legal referral resources, emergency planning, and community‑based organization guides.Metrowest Legal Services - East Central Mass (including Marlborough)
Free legal services helping immigrant adults and youth (including survivors of domestic/sexual violence and other crimes) obtain status and representation before USCIS and Immigration Court.
Know Your Rights & Anti‑Discrimination
Attorney General’s Office – Resources for Immigrants
Explains civil rights protections (including national origin discrimination in housing and employment), workers’ rights, and education rights; the AGO does not ask about immigration status.Mass. Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) Community‑Based Organizations Resources
Toolkits for emergency planning, detainee locator, mental health help lines, and free immigration legal assistance flyers in multiple languages.
Have resources to add?
If you know a trusted immigrant-serving program in Central Massachusetts that isn’t listed here, send the name, link, and a 1–2 sentence description to communications@umassmemorial.org.
Patient Care Technician Pathway Program
SHARE and UMass Memorial are thrilled to announce the recruitment for the fourth and fifth cohorts for the Patient Care Technician (PCT) Pathway Program! This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective candidates to gain new skills while earning a salary! For more details, see the flyer below
Start the application process today by filling out the interest form PCA Pathway Program - Friends and Family Interest Form
The application deadline for our May cohort is Friday March 27th and the deadline for our July cohort is Friday June 19th.
Please direct questions to mydevelopment@umassmemorial.org
SHARE Updates: Education & Career Advancement Opportunities and More
Tuition Reimbursement Is Open to SHARE Members, with No Change to the Maximum Allowable Amount
SHARE members are eligible for Tuition Reimbursement for college education and certificate programs, up to $5,250 for full-time employees. These funds can be applied toward the cost of tuition, application fees, registration fees, lab fees, technology fees, education service fees, graduation fees, and books. Please visit the link below for full details and requirements.
Unfortunately, SHARE recently became aware that when UMass Memorial reduced the Tuition Reimbursement amount for non-union employees, it also inadvertently reduced the amount that they were providing to SHARE members. Some SHARE members also have also run into incorrect documentation on the Hub that described that this benefit was only available to non-union members.
Thank you to those SHARE members who brought this to our attention and dealt with that confusion. We have had those issues corrected.
Support for SHARE Members and Their Communities with the Ending of Temporary Protected Status
SHARE knows that the upcoming end of the federal government’s Temporary Protected Status program has the potential to cause real hardship for some SHARE members and their loved ones. Our union is here to support you and help you find the resources you need.
Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program
SHARE is excited to announce that UMass Memorial has officially began recruiting for the next cohort of the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program.
The program began last year, and has already been a great success. You may remember the celebration in honor of the pioneering first student cohort, whose participants continue to demonstrate the value of the earn-and-learn model. SHARE member Maggie Warfield said of the experience, “The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program was simply amazing. UMass Memorial provided me career growth at a time in my life when I could not afford to further my education. I am so grateful to feel fulfilled daily by providing compassionate care to our patients everyday.”
Patient Care Technicians Pathway Program
SHARE and UMass Memorial are thrilled to announce the recruitment for the fourth and fifth cohorts for the Patient Care Technician (PCT) Pathway Program! This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective candidates to gain new skills while earning a salary! For more details, see the flyer below
Start the application process today by filling out the interest form PCA Pathway Program - Friends and Family Interest Form
The application deadline for our May cohort is Friday March 27th and the deadline for our July cohort is Friday June 19th.
Please direct questions to mydevelopment@umassmemorial.org
YOU Can Nominate an Innovator of the Year
UMass Memorial is, for the first time ever, inviting any and all caregivers to submit nominations for this year's Innovator of the Year (IOY) awards in the following three categories:
Best Idea of the Year (includes UBT Projects)
Best Project of the Year (includes Lean Belt A3s)
Innovative Leader of the Year (can be anyone who displays leadership skill, does NOT have to be a supervisor or above!)
The process for nominating is described in the flyer below. This is a great chance to get more well-deserved recognition for our SHARE co-workers, teams, and projects!
NOTE: The deadline for caregiver IOY nominations is February 14th ❤️
YOU Can Nominate Innovators of the Year
UMass Memorial is, for the first time ever, inviting any and all caregivers to submit nominations for this year's Innovator of the Year (IOY) awards in the following three categories:
Best Idea of the Year (includes UBT Projects)
Best Project of the Year (includes Lean Belt A3s)
Innovative Leader of the Year (can be anyone who displays leadership skill, does NOT have to be a supervisor or above!)
The process for nominating is described in the flyer below. This is a great chance to get more well-deserved recognition for our SHARE co-workers, teams, and projects!
NOTE: The deadline for caregiver IOY nominations is February 14th ❤️
Union Benefits and Your 2026-2027 AFSCME ID Card
It’s time again: new AFSCME Union ID cards have begun arriving in the home mailboxes of SHARE members. Why did I get this? you might wonder. What is it good for?
Keep track of your AFSCME Member Number to take advantage!
AFSCME is SHARE’s parent union. (SHARE is also known as AFSCME Local 3900.) And, your Union membership comes with perks. Nationwide, AFSCME represents over a million members. That creates a lot of leverage in negotiating deals on things such as:
And there’s much more. Visit the Union Plus website to explore all the good things that are available.
For some of those deals and services, you may need to provide your union local number, and your personal union member number, which are both printed on the card. If you don’t receive a membership card in the next few days and need your membership number, please contact the SHARE office (508-929-4020). We’ll be happy to help you track that down.
Our union takes a very grassroots approach. We’re focused on the issues in our hospital, on working so that SHARE members can always be moving forward financially, and on continually strengthening our community so that we can all do work that we’re proud of. But going out for a cheaper meal can be pretty nice, too.
How To SIGN UP FOR UNION PLUS
It’s easy. Visit www.unionplus.org.
On most browsers, you can find the “sign up” link in the upper right-hand corner.
When selecting your union from the dropdown menu, please choose “AFSCME (State, County, and Municipal Employees)”
SHARE is also known as AFSCME Local 3900
All SHARE members qualify for UnionPlus benefits
2026 Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program
SHARE is excited to announce that UMass Memorial has officially began recruiting for the next cohort of the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program.
The program began last year, and has already been a great success. You may remember the celebration in honor of the pioneering first student cohort, whose participants continue to demonstrate the value of the earn-and-learn model. SHARE member Maggie Warfield said of the experience, “The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program was simply amazing. UMass Memorial provided me career growth at a time in my life when I could not afford to further my education. I am so grateful to feel fulfilled daily by providing compassionate care to our patients everyday.”
Learn more at information sessions on the dates and times listed below (Webex links TBA):
Wednesday, January 7 from 6-7 pm
Tuesday, January 13 from 6-7 pm
Friday, January 30 from 12:15 – 1:00pm
These sessions will provide an overview of the program, including the timeline, requirements, and what participants can expect.
Caregivers must complete the interest form (see link below) by February 9, 2026, to be eligible for the February 16, 2026, application deadline.
SHARE Updates: 2026 Dues Increase, UBT Highlights & More
First off, a big thank you to the hundreds of SHARE members who wrote messages on behalf of our hospital to Blue Cross Blue Shield, encouraging them to settle the contract negotiations. SHARE’s Executive Board also wrote a strong letter urging a fair contract agreement.
Days after those messages were sent, the announcement came that a three-year deal had been reached, keeping UMass Memorial hospitals and physicians in-network for BCBSMA members, welcome news for the hospital finances, and for our many BCBSMA patients who depend on care here.
2026 Dues Rates Announced
Every year around this time, SHARE's parent union, AFSCME, announces the dues rates for the coming year. Dues usually increase a little bit each January. Dues support the work of our union, and are an important investment in yourself and your co-workers. Read the full post on the SHARE Blog for details about how dues rates are determined, and how they benefit you.
The 2026 regular weekly dues rate for SHARE members will be $11.57. That is an increase of $0.37 per paycheck, or less than one cent per hour if you work 40 hours per week. For members working 20 hours/week, the 2026 weekly rate will be $8.66.
Nobody wants to spend on an investment that doesn’t pay off. There’s more in the blog post that describe the benefits. Importantly, dues support the work to negotiate for good raises. Here’s an answer to one question that SHARE hears often . . .
SHARE UBTs:
Good News from the Partnership Office
SHARE members continue to use their Unit Based Teams to make it easier to do work they can be proud of — saving money, improving patient care, and reducing headaches in the day-to-day work. Check out the latest newsletter from the SHARE-UMass Memorial Partnership Office for more about the recent UBT successes, plus a whole bunch of fun photos.
UBT Spotlight: Denials & Specialty Billing
The above UBT newsletter points out that one team recently implemented a project that’s saving our hospital an estimated $100,000 or more per year. But that’s not all there is to know about the Denials and Specialty Billing UBT. They’re cultivating a welcoming environment for continuous improvement. They thrive on teamwork, listening to and encouraging one another. Learn more about how they work together — and hopefully find some helpful ideas for your own department — in this spotlight on the Denials and Specialty Billing UBT.
Know Your Department’s Severe Weather Policy
Winter’s a-coming. Does your department have a clearly-established policy for what to do when the snow gets heavy? Learn more about what the SHARE contract says about inclement weather.
Know Your Department Weather Policy
With Winter coming, SHARE Reps have begun having conversations again about the severe weather policy that SHARE negotiated with our hospital.
The full policy is posted below. The short summary is this: "All employees are expected to report to work, unless the severe weather plan in their department allows them to stay home." If you do not know if there’s a department-specific plan for your area, you should check with your supervisor or manager.
Please take good care when making decisions about traveling in extreme weather. Also, please contact the SHARE office (508-929-4020) if you have questions, or would like help developing or revising a plan in your own department.
severe weather
from SHARE-UMass Memorial Contract Agreement, page 82
UMass Memorial is an essential community service and as such will continue its operations without regard to weather conditions. However, UMass Memorial and SHARE recognize that severe weather conditions can interfere with the ability of employees to come to work, and agree to the following:
Staffing plans
The CNO, CMO, Hospital President and Vice-Presidents are responsible for developing a fair and equitable staffing plan to ensure continued essential services, and for informing employees of staffing and attendance requirements.
In order for employees to know what their responsibilities are in the case of severe weather, departments are encouraged to develop plans for their areas within the framework of the hospital plan described above. Employees are encouraged to participate in the development of the plan for their department. Department severe weather plans could include: what staffing level is required in the case of severe weather (such as full staffing, skeletal staffing, or no staffing necessary); how employees will find out if they are required to be at work that day, who to call and how to reach them; and whether there is a difference in their department between the plan for severe weather and the plan for a declared state of emergency. Department managers should review the severe weather plan for their department with all employees annually before winter weather begins.
All employees are expected to report to work, unless the severe weather plan in their department allows them to stay home.
Staying at work
Employees who are working during severe weather conditions are expected to work through the end of their assigned work shift unless they are excused earlier. In extreme situations, employees may be required to work beyond the end of their normal scheduled work shift if the manager determines it necessary to meet patient care and operational needs. SHARE overtime rules will apply.
Department closing, early dismissal
If a department is closed for all or part of the day due to severe weather, employees may go home (see pay for missed hours) or choose to report to/remain at work. The hospital may assign people who stay at work to perform different functions than their normal job. For a work assignment in an area other than your own, page the nursing supervisor/bed management: for the University campus, pager #2044; for the Memorial campus (on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays) pager #3318.
Grace period for late arrivals
The office of the CEO or his/her designee may establish a paid grace period for arriving late to work. The length of the grace period will be based on the severity of the weather conditions.
Pay for missed hours
Other than late arrivals covered by an established grace period, employees who miss all or part of their work shift may use earned, vacation or personal time, or choose to go unpaid for the hours they missed. When appropriate, an employee may make up the time that week, by mutual consent between the employee and the supervisor. Made up hours will be paid at straight time unless weekly hours total more than 40.
Excused and unexcused absences
If an employee does not work because the department is closed, or because they are not required to come to work, it will be considered an excused absence. Late arrivals covered by an established grace period will be considered an excused absence. Other absences from work on a severe weather day will be considered unexcused.
Transportation
When severe weather makes travel unsafe, or in a state of emergency, transportation assistance may be available. Requests for assistance should be directed to the nursing supervisor/bed management: for the University campus, pager #2044; for the Memorial campus (on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays) pager #3318. When necessary, communication with external bodies such as the National Guard and ambulance carriers will be coordinated through these offices.
2026 Dues Rates Announced
Every year around this time, SHARE's parent union, AFSCME, announces the dues rates for the coming year. Dues usually increase a little bit each January (see below for how the amount is determined).
The 2026 regular weekly dues rate for SHARE members will be $11.57. That is an increase of $0.37 per paycheck, or less than one cent per hour if you work 40 hours per week. For members working 20 hours/week, the 2026 weekly rate will be $8.66.
WHY SHOULD I PAY DUES?
Dues are an investment that SHARE members make in themselves and their coworkers. Without a union, employees have very little leverage to make change, or even to hold onto what they have.
SHARE members want respect for the work that they do, fair treatment, opportunities for advancement, and good raises so that they can take care of themselves and their families. SHARE gives employees a voice in various ways:
In contract negotiations, we have a voice in our pay, benefits and work policies.
Through committees, Unit Based Teams, and day-to-day negotiations, we have a voice in issues that face groups of SHARE members
In union meetings and individual conversations, we have a voice in the direction and priorities of the union
Through the problem-solving process, we have a voice when individual problems/conflicts come up at work
In union elections, we have a voice in who our representatives will be
When it comes down to dollars and cents, dues pay for themselves. SHARE has consistently negotiated raises each year since 1997 when SHARE became a union. Those increases have resulted in notably better pay rates than non-union counterparts. Among other things, our hospital also continues to contribute to the Defined Benefit Pension plan of all SHARE members, as well as continuing to pay 85% of Health Insurance premium costs.
Working together through the union, SHARE members can continue to make progress in all these areas. And dues support the staff who support this work.
How Do Union Dues Compare to My Raise?
They’re not even close! When it comes to a monetary cost-benefit analysis, dues clearly pay themselves off. Consider how the math works . . .
The lowest raise that a SHARE member could get this year (at 40 hours) was $1.00 x 40. That’s a raise of $40 per week, before taxes.
SHARE Union Dues: in January, SHARE union dues will go up 37 cents per week.
By itself, the raise on your first hour worked each week more than pays for that increase.
$40.00 - $0.37 = $39.63 raise per week (at least)
Am I Required to Pay Dues?
Because all employees working in the SHARE bargaining unit at UMass Memorial receive the benefits negotiated by our union, all employees are legally required to contribute through membership or through a paycheck deduction authorized by a “Fair Share” card.
If you have questions or would like to sign a Fair Share card, please call the SHARE office and leave a message at 508-929-4020 or email share.comment@theshareunion.org.
Only members can run for union leadership positions, vote in union elections, and participate in benefits programs such as UnionPlus.
HOW ARE DUES CALCULATED?
Any annual increase is calculated by the AFSCME International office based on the average percent increase of AFSCME members’ pay rates across the country in the previous year.
WHERE DO MY DUES GO?
The short answer is that dues mostly pay for SHARE staff.
The longer answer is that SHARE members at UMass Memorial pool their dues money with members of three other unions locals: SHARE at UMass Chan Medical School, HUCTW at Harvard University, and USW at Cambridge Health Alliance. The four union locals together are called the New England Organizing Project (NEOP). All their dues together pay for the union staff for all the locals, union offices, phones and utilities, mailings, etc. About 75% of the budget is for staff.
The staff spend their time gathering information and opinions from members, sharing information with members, developing and supporting SHARE Reps, helping members with questions or problems, negotiating contracts, organizing events, researching issues, writing blog posts, etc., all on behalf of SHARE members.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to know more, please talk to a SHARE Rep, email share.comment@theshareunion.org, or call 508-929-4020. You can also learn more about what our union does, and the benefits of union membership, by exploring www.sharehospitalunion.org.
