The following message is from Nancy Folbre, professor of economics, about the informational picketing that she participated in with a number of other MSP members and higher ed members from the state and community colleges:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I answered the call to join in a cross-union information picketing at Framingham State College last Monday. Meeting at the MSP office, we filled one car plus the indomitable PHENOMobile van (you must see it to believe it), and talked politics along the Mass Pike. We found the meeting venue not far from some beautiful locust trees in full and fragrant bloom, and had an amusing debate (recalling our youth) with the campus police over which lawn we could or could not hold our banner on.

There was a good turnout, mostly of state college employees, and we looked good when the governor drove by in his black limousine. So good, in fact, that he not only asked to speak with Max, but came out and introduced himself to each one of us and asked us to meet with him after the Readiness Project event ended. This invitation was unexpected and it wowed us.

We were also wowed by the Readiness Project meeting -- participants from all over the Commonwealth, eloquently expressing their concerns about the overall state of education, from bilingual education to school nurses. A 4th grader from Framingham asked the Governor to explain the budget cuts at her school. Local PHENOM member (and recent UMass Amherst graduate) Tessa Simonds read a long question about higher education funding. "Great question," said the Governor, "have you written the answer?" "I'm working on it," she replied.

And now for the final wow. The governor sat down with all of us picketers for about thirty minutes after the event - surprising (and maybe even disturbing) his aides. He listened carefully to what we had to say. Those who spoke were warm, respectful, but firm, emphasizing that we need him to move the bargaining process along and also to insure that higher ed workers don't take pay cuts. In other words, he needs to authorize economic parameters that at the very minimum provide real cost of living increases. The Governor showed a clear understanding of the situation that was improved by some friendly back-and-forth dialogue. He asked us to be patient and thanked us for our commitment. We responded that our patience was running out.

We all felt that our time and effort was well-spent, and that these kinds of principled protests clearly make a difference. More importantly, we felt a renewed sense of possibilities for political change.

I wanted to share this with you.

Nancy Folbre
Professor of Economics
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are bargaining again this Friday - look for an update on Monday.

Max Page
MSP President