TOP STORY
NEW CHAPTER: PSU non-tenure track faculty
The non-tenure track faculty members at Plymouth State University have voted to unionize and join SEA! Faculty members voted 29-2 for SEA representation.
The administration at PSU attempted to prevent the faculty from gaining representation by downplaying the workplace and wage advantages that union representation offers. Higher education faculty have been particularly vulnerable to wage deflation and weakened representation. We are excited to represent the non-tenure track faculty at PSU and create a more equitable workplace for all.
Election 2020
High rates of absentee ballots in NH Primary
Overall, turnout was high for a NH Primary. Poll workers reported high numbers of absentee ballots, which made voting in person less cumbersome for those who chose to vote on election day. Voters were compliant with mask wearing and social distancing, when able. When asked on Facebook, SEA members reported an easy and smooth in-person voting process.
Towns such as Hanover, Exeter, and Somersworth reported a higher than average turnout for a NH Primary and a significantly higher number of absentee ballots. Hanover reported 1,600 absentee ballots, compared to 800 in the last primary. Stratham reported 1,100 absentee ballots, and compared to 81 four years ago.
View all results of the NH 2020 Primary here.
NEW web page for members
SEA/SEIU Local 1984 members are invested in the 2020 Primary and General election. To help our members stay informed, we have compiled information on voting, candidates who support labor, and state resources.
Visit our new Election 2020 page for resources and information on voting this fall. Bookmark this page for updates on voting protocols, endorsed candidates for the 2020 General Election, and state resources.
Democratic Gubernatorial race
Sen. Dan Feltes declared victory early Wednesday morning with over 85% of precincts reporting and 51% of the vote. Andru Volinsky, Executive Councillor from the 2nd district, told WMUR “I respect the vote… And I respect that in political campaigns, you win and you lose in public, and I’m more than prepared to deal with that. But to cheat people out of their vote being counted is wrong, so we’re going to wait.”
Together, the candidates earned over 125,000 votes from Democratic voters in NH.
Congressional incumbents Sen. Shaheen and Rep. Kuster also won their primary races and will face Republican candidates Corky Messner and Steve Negron in November, respectively.
Endorsed Member Candidates in the 2020 General Election
*Pictured left to right: Jenn Alford-Teaster, Art Ellison, Donna Soucy, MacKenzie Murphy, Bill Bolton, Alex Lloyd, Joan Hamblet Congratulations to the following SEA members who will advance to the 2020 General election:
- Jenn Alford-Teaster; Christy Bartlett; Leslie Bergevin; Bill Bolton; Tim Fontneau; Mary Heath; Claudia Istel; Joan Hamblet; Connie Van Houten; Kevin Maes; Kathleen Martins; Donna Mombourquette; Trish Tidd; Ellen Read; Melanie Renfrew-Hebert; Dianne Schuett; Dianne Schuett; Kris Schultz; Donna Soucy
NH State News
JOIN: Raise Up NH Day of Action to overturn Gov.’s veto on minimum wage
On Wednesday, September 16, Raise Up NH is hosting two events to call on state senators to overturn Governor Sununu’s vetoes on paid family and sick leave, and the minimum wage.
While in office, Governor Sununu has issued a record number of vetoes on a wide range of issues related to worker and labor rights.
NH Expands Accessible Voting
The Secretary of State implemented a new absentee voting system that allows NH voters with print disabilities to complete their ballots privately and independently. The new system was put in place in response to a lawsuit filed by several disability rights activists, who claimed the state failed to properly accommodate voters with disabilities even before the pandemic.
Voters are able to make their choices electronically, print the ballot, and return it to the town or city clerk to be counted. This is not an online voting system.
The new absentee voting system is funded by the CARES Act, passed by Congress earlier this year to combat the economic and societal blowback of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Voters with disabilities may apply for an accessible absentee ballot here.
Member Notice
Backpack drive
Thank you to all our members who helped us provide backpacks for NH students!
Right now, backpacks are available cheaply at many stores. We’re asking members to help us prepare for next year! Pick up a backpack at a reduced price and bring it to the SEA office at 207 N. Main St.
Labor News
Labor Day 2020
Labor Day is a reminder that our time and energy are our most powerful resources. It exists to remind us of our success in the labor movement, and to remind us that many Americans still need more than one job to make ends meet.
This year, SEA is reflecting on the work done and yet to be done to fight for NH workers’ rights to livable wages, safe work environments, and most importantly – a contract.
Click here to read about some of the actions we’ve taken to protect workers in 2020.