Springfield educators and MGM staff rally for better wages and union rights

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Two organizations came together to improve their wages and work benefits.

Springfield Public Schools teachers and MGM staff were out on the streets of downtown Springfield on Saturday, with severe weather hitting in the middle of the rally. But that didn't stop the two groups from getting their message across.

"We're also rallying for our contracts to be ratified," said Marguerite Foster-Franklin, a retired educator from the Springfield Public Schools. "Springfield Public School educators have not had a contract since 2024."

Organizers were also urging for paid family medical leave and union rights. MGM staff urged their company to allow them to become a union.

"It's been 14 months since we organized the union, and they refuse to come to the table and negotiate with us," said Gregory Bencks, dealer at MGM Springfield.

A spokesperson with MGM Springfield shared with 22News the following statement:

"We support employees' rights to bargain collectively and have a productive working relationship with organized labor at properties throughout the country."

The spokesperson continued to share that a few union representatives engaged in misconduct, making a free and fair election impossible. They have declined to bargain with the union until this is resolved. 22News reached out to Springfield Public Schools for comment, but has not heard back.