Updated: Amherst DPW Workers Will Rally for a Fair Contract
A special meeting of the Amherst Town Council has been scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m in the Town Room of Town Hall to address issues in the Department of Public Works (DPW). Amherst Department of Public Works unions have been working under an expired contract for over seven months and have been negotiating for over a year without a fair contract.
Amherst DPW Associations (ADPWA), a union representing roughly 60 Amherst DPW workers, will be holding a rally on the Town Common ahead of the special meeting on March 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The issues facing the ADPWA include low wages, with many below a livable wage, high turnover, and frequent understaffing. The union argues that negotiating a fair contract will benefit the town and its residents, leading to improved retention and service delivery.
The union has asked Amherst residents to turn out for the rally to show support for SPW workers and for fair pay for town employees.
Update
The Amherst Town Council posted its agenda for the special Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The only posted agenda item for that meeting is an executive session, suggesting that the ADPWA will not be given the opportunity to address the council and share their concerns. The posted agenda is as follows:
- Call to Order
- Executive Session
- In accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body (Unions: DPW Association and DPW-S)
- Topics not anticipated by the President 48 hours in advance of the meeting
- Adjourn
There will be no public comment period at this Special Meeting.
ADPWA President Andrew Brace said in response to the posting, “We are surprised and disappointed that we will not have a chance for our voices to be heard at the upcoming special meeting. We will continue to fight for a fair contract and the rally ahead of the meeting will continue as planned.”
Read more:
Amherst DPW Associations Enter Mediation over New Contract (Amherst Indy)
Amherst Ranks Last in Massachusetts in Per Capita DPW Spending (Amherst Indy)