ESP Bill of Rights Summer Canvassing

ESP Members are Organizing for More Power at the Bargaining table

July 10, 2024

MSEA members are nearly two years in to the union’s ESP Bill of Rights campaign for a living wage, fairness, and respect and the movement continues to gain traction across Maryland and beyond. NEA has adopted MSEA’s campaign and other NEA state affiliates are planning campaigns using the model. That’s a big deal!

Right now, 17 MSEA support staff union organizers are fanning out across Maryland using the ESP Bill of Rights to open the door to deeper conversations about how the campaign leads to organizing for strategic contract campaigns and big wins for all support staff. They’re paid organizers, making $30/hour and working 20 hours a week with a meals and mileage stipend. That’s a decent summer gig!

Scroll down to see a gallery of new members and MSEA summer organizers!

ESP summer organizer coach Rachel Hautmann.

“Our goal is to participate in as many meaningful one-to-one conversations as we can, connecting with our members and potential members right where they are. It’s essential that they know about the ESP Bill of Rights and grasp the importance of standing together,” says Rachel Hautmann, who with fellow Calvert County member Priscilla Bradley, is a full-time ESP summer organizer and coach. “The work we are doing is not just important, it’s monumental. We are shaping MSEA history by reaching out to people, identifying new ESP leaders, and spreading the message about the ESP Bill of Rights. We are stepping out of our comfort zone to make sure support staff across the state understand their rights as workers and why we must build power to see those rights become reality at the bargaining table.”

ESP summer organizer coach Priscilla Bradley.

“Our call to action for summer organizers is clear: spread the word about the MSEA ESP Bill of Rights,” says fellow coach Priscilla Bradley. “It’s not a mere wish list, but a collection of fundamental rights that should be front and center in discussions with our employers. It’s crucial for our members to understand that we stand with them in actively advocating for our rights. But we can’t do it alone. We need everyone to join us.”

So far the campaign has gained the endorsement of one-third of ESP worksites— that’s 353 buildings. And nearly 6,000 members have joined the ESP Bill of Rights movement. That’s progress.

MSEA members featured on popular podcast!

MSEA support staff members share the value of our ESP Bill of Rights campaign and how it can translate to big wins at the bargaining table on the Stand Up! with Pete Dominick podcast (also available on many podcast apps).

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

2024 ESP Summer Organizers and New Members!