This is more than just a legislative change; it’s a step toward a more equitable, fair, and inclusive Massachusetts. By removing this unnecessary exclusion, we open doors to greater economic opportunities and cultural enrichment for all communities.
Lydia Edwards
Posted inOpinion
It’s time to protect gig workers and consumers
Gig economy companies like Uber and Instacart are exploiting workers by misclassifying them as independent contracts and not employees, which limits the employment protections they deserve to have.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Time to enact new rules for use of facial recognition software
LAST NOVEMBER, on the day after Thanksgiving, yet another Black man was wrongfully arrested due to racially biased face surveillance. Randall Reid was detained on his way to dinner with his mother after Louisiana law enforcement agents got a warrant based on a false facial recognition match. He spent a week in jail. Mr. Reid […]
Posted inOpinion
Fare debate: Give low-income riders a break
EVERY DAY, hardworking Massachusetts residents face a difficult dilemma: pay for transportation to get to work or afford basic necessities. This is an unfair and unnecessary burden on those who contribute to the economic prosperity of the state. On this International Workers Day, it’s time to take action and make public transportation affordable for our […]
Posted inOpinion
If Barrett is confirmed, we’re for packing the court
WHY ARE REPUBLICANS so desperate to ram through a Supreme Court nomination that will impact Americans’ lives for decades? They’re scared that come November 3 they will lose. That despite their attempts to subvert democracy through false attacks on mail-in voting, felony disenfranchisement of 5.2 million people, and reduction of available voting locations, Americans will […]
Posted inOpinion
Preventing evictions, promoting housing stability
THE PANDEMIC will have a lasting effect on our society that we can only begin to imagine. With over 150,000 Americans dead and counting, the psychological toll will be felt for a long time. But some of the pain that will likely come once the pandemic ends is avoidable. When Gov. Charlie Baker lifts the […]
Posted inEconomy
Tenant purchase legislation could stave off displacement
FOR THE TIME BEING, the COVID-19 epidemic in Massachusetts has begun to wind down. However, even if we keep the virus under control, it has already has set in motion many drastic and longer lasting changes in our housing markets. One of the outcomes could well be a significant decline in real estate values, an […]
Posted inOpinion
Eastie needs straight answers from Eversource
EAST BOSTON is a community that is used to having to defend itself against environmental injustices. In the 1960s, Massport’s expansion of Logan Airport led the Maverick Street Mothers to block the road with baby carriages. In the following decades, the neighborhood’s activism led Massport to build parks that are among the best in the […]
Posted inOpinion
Boston’s academic giants treat student workers poorly
MORE THAN 10,000 student workers at Boston’s largest universities drive tens of millions of dollars to their employers. They teach classes, perform groundbreaking research, and help win lucrative federal grants. You would think their employers would protect their valuable employees. You’d be wrong. These multi-billion dollar universities do not treat these employees with the respect they […]
Posted inUncategorized
As Women’s Month ends, let’s stop wage theft at Logan Airport
Marlisa Thompson was happy when FSS — an airline contractor that does work for JetBlue, Lufthansa, and British Airways — hired her in 2014 as a security guard at Logan Airport. “I was just so excited, because, wow, if you get in at the airport, that’s a plus,” she said. But her excitement soon dwindled. She was on her […]