In a March 31, 2025, Cambridge Day story on Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson, the Mayor described the departmental restructuring plan, the removal of several department heads, the upcoming requirements for a less-flexible citywide telework policy, and his administration’s policy priorities. These are critical conversations that have major impacts on the effectiveness of how the city operates and the conditions under which city staff work. Unfortunately, the status quo has been to exclude city staff from these conversations.
We believe that the City works most effectively when city staff are treated with respect and dignity, are recognized for their work and contributions, have a work environment where they feel supported by the City, and can share ideas without fear of being disregarded. We also believe staff should be able to afford to live in the city we serve.
That’s why City of Somerville staff are organizing for a better workplace. There are over 200 staff in the city not currently represented by a union — more than 70 of whom have already committed to unionization. These include staff across the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Health and Human Services, Immigrant Affairs and others key to serving the city.
During his inaugural address, Mayor Wilson said: “Fostering a strong union culture in our city is one way to open up more opportunities for Somervillians to build their lives here … when our workforce is strong, our community thrives.” We couldn’t agree more. If your readers or other members of the Somerville community agree, we hope you will join us in supporting unionization of all City of Somerville employees.
Somerville city staff want more of a voice on changes
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In a March 31, 2025, Cambridge Day story on Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson, the Mayor described the departmental restructuring plan, the removal of several department heads, the upcoming requirements for a less-flexible citywide telework policy, and his administration’s policy priorities. These are critical conversations that have major impacts on the effectiveness of how the city operates and the conditions under which city staff work. Unfortunately, the status quo has been to exclude city staff from these conversations.
We believe that the City works most effectively when city staff are treated with respect and dignity, are recognized for their work and contributions, have a work environment where they feel supported by the City, and can share ideas without fear of being disregarded. We also believe staff should be able to afford to live in the city we serve.
That’s why City of Somerville staff are organizing for a better workplace. There are over 200 staff in the city not currently represented by a union — more than 70 of whom have already committed to unionization. These include staff across the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Health and Human Services, Immigrant Affairs and others key to serving the city.
During his inaugural address, Mayor Wilson said: “Fostering a strong union culture in our city is one way to open up more opportunities for Somervillians to build their lives here … when our workforce is strong, our community thrives.” We couldn’t agree more. If your readers or other members of the Somerville community agree, we hope you will join us in supporting unionization of all City of Somerville employees.
Learn about our organizing effort at tinyurl.com/AboutSWU, @somervilleworkersunited on Instagram, or by emailing us at somervilleworkersunited@gmail.com.
Somerville Workers United Steering Committee
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