PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 26^th 2008

Contact:  Shuya Ohno, Dir of Communications, MIRA: (617) 821-8990 sohno@miracoalition.org

Leaders Present a New and Innovative Solution to Address the Critical Need for English Programs in the Massachusetts Workforce

Boston – Prominent leaders from industry, labor, and the community came together today at the Menino Pavilion at the Boston Medical Center to launch the English Works Campaign. Speakers outlined the importance of immigrant workers for the MA economy, discussed the urgent and growing need for English language programs in the workforce, and highlighted the English Works Campaign as a novel solution to meet this challenge.

Currently, one in five workers in Massachusetts, and one in three in Boston is an immigrant. About seven in ten of those workers, numbering close to half of a million, need the increased availability of and access to English language programs. The English Works Campaign actively promotes the collaboration of the private and public sectors, businesses and labor, to enter into partnerships to provide high-quality English language programs for the MA workforce.

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, offered through the Training and Upgrading Fund at the Boston Medical Center, in partnership with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and AFSCME, is one such example of success. 

Elaine Ullian, President and CEO of the Boston Medical Center and Mike Fadel, executive Vice-President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East discussed the success of their organizations’ partnership.  

Veronica Turner-Biggs, Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East spoke about how the partnership with BMC could serve as a model. “Heallthcare workers and patients alike at Boston Medical Center have benefited greatly from the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, which are made possible here by an innovative partnership fostered by Mayor Menino between the hospital and 1199SEIU. The Training and Upgrading Fund we have created together to fund ESOL and other critical educational and training initiatives is a model of partnership and progress that serves as a wonderful template for other hospital employers across the state."

Judith Kurland, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Mayor of Boston spoke on behalf of Mayor Menino and presented Certificates of Recognition to the Boston Medical Center, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, and AFSCME for their collaborative effort.

BMC healthcare workers, Ana Maria Gomes or Carmen Mercedes, members of 1199SEIU, also spoke about their direct experiences in learning English through the worksite program.

Carline Desire, the Executive Director of the Association of Haitian Women gave a moving account, framing the issue in a broader perspective. “Immigrant families come here to embrace Massachusetts as their new home. Massachusetts represents new hope and new opportunities. With integration into the tapestry of our Commonwealth, immigrant communities enrich the civic, cultural, and economic life of Massachusetts.” 

Robert Haynes, President of the MA AFL-CIO stated, “Working together, labor organizations, business, and community leaders can help ensure that Massachusetts residents are prepared to meet the demands of the workplace through English language acquisition. With access to English language programs, immigrant workers will be better able to perform on the job with their co-workers.” Haynes continued, “This campaign, however, is not only crucial for our Commonwealth’s economy, just as importantly, it will help make sure immigrants are fully aware of their rights on the job, and that is why the Massachusetts AFL-CIO has endorsed and is fully supportive of the English Works Initiative.” 

Roger Berkowitz, CEO of Legal Sea Foods stated his views on the importance of English programs for his industry. "The restaurant industry in MA in particular, as well as the hospitality industry as a whole, depends on immigrant workers as a major part of its workforce. I am proud of the fact that Legal Sea Foods is engaged in and committed to providing high-quality ESOL training for our employees.” Berkowitz continued, “We do this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the smart, strategic thing to do as a forward-thinking corporation, operating in today's business environment. To remain competitive, businesses in the hospitality and food service need to partner with a provider and whole-heartedly invest in English language programs to tap the talents and skills of its employees. At Legal Sea Foods, we've seen the successes time and time again."

The Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Suzanne Bump stated, “The English Works Campaign brings together immigrant community leaders, labor unions, business, and educators to work towards the goal of closing the skills gap and providing opportunities for economic success to immigrant workers.” Secretary Bump continued, “This has been an important part of the agenda for the Patrick Administration, and I applaud the English Works campaign for their effort.”

Hyde Square Task Force