1199 activists Kilra Hylton (far left) and Romella Tucker (far right), with Isabel Lope and Lew Finfer from Jobs Not Jails

1199SEIU delegates recently gathered in Boston to discuss upcoming contract campaigns, potential 9c cuts by the Governor, and the Fight for $15. Other concerns covered included difficult commutes during the February blizzards, and what is being done to improve infrastructure for the benefit of all caregivers and commuters.

Guest speakers Lew Finfer and Isabel Lopez from Massachusetts Jobs Not Jails joined to discuss their organizations’ work and the impact of mass incarceration on our communities. Members discussed what can be done to improve the Massachusetts criminal justice system, including supporting the new bill “An Act to Increase Neighborhood Safety and Opportunity,” which aims to fight mass incarceration that disproportionately impacts people of color.

Ideas that would improve conditions for former incarcerated youth and adults included job training, transitional apprenticeship programs, and drop-out prevention to give youth a second chance at academic achievement and set them up on a path to success.

“We need to have jobs, not prisons. People need the hope that they can stay out, and programs will help them with that,” said 1199SEIU member Romella Tucker.

Read more about the bill to fight mass incarceration and improve our criminal justice system.

Check out Massachusetts Jobs Not Jails online and get involved!