Norwell Faces Allegations of Prohibited Labor Practices

The union representing the Town of Norwell’s administrative staff has filed two formal Prohibited Practice Charges with the Massachusetts Division of Labor Relations, alleging a pattern of unfair labor practices, according to documents obtained by South Shore Times. SEIU Local 888 claims the town has unilaterally removed union responsibilities, reduced positions, and bypassed negotiated terms regarding seniority and promotion.

“The Town is slowly dwindling our membership through layoffs and turning union positions into non-union roles,” said SEIU 888 Union Representative Jayne Fogarty. She pointed to seven recent layoffs, including five civilian clerks from the police department, and the conversion of the Building Inspector role into a non-union department head position.

Massachusetts law mandates that public employers, including cities and towns, bargain with unions over wages, benefits, and working conditions. It further prohibits employers from unilaterally changing the terms of those contracts, known as collective bargaining agreements. 

The first complaint filed alleges that the town removed work traditionally performed by union employees in May 2025 without negotiating with the union.

In its second complaint, the union alleges that the town implemented a new testing process for the promotional position of Assistant Accountant without bargaining the change. The union claims the town used the tests to sidestep seniority rules and discourage union participation. One town employee told the South Shore Times, “The testing was designed to favor a town employee who is also a family member of [Sullivan].”

When asked to comment, Town Administrator Darlene Sullivan declined, instead referring the South Shore Times to Town Counsel Richard Messina, who said, “The town’s desire is to meet all bargaining objectives with the union at all times.”

SEIU 888 disputes that assertion. 

According to Fogarty, the dispute over promotions dates back to 2024, when the town declined to elevate an employee with the most seniority to the position of Senior Administrative Assistant for the Board of Water Commissioners. The role had already been approved by the town’s Personnel Board. At the time, Sullivan requested a one-year delay due to budget constraints. That delay expired without action. In another instance, the town wanted to transition a unionized building inspector position to a non-union building commissioner with a $20,000 salary increase from the present position, according to SEIU 888. Snow’s expected promotion would have increased her pay by $3,000, the union said.

“When we attempted to question Administrator Sullivan and Counsel Messina on how that made sense, Messina yelled at us, saying they would not discuss it,” Fogarty said. “The water department has a separate, fee-funded budget. How is it possible they cannot afford the $3,000, except that they are attempting union busting.”

The union said it has filed a grievance related to the promotion. SEIU 888 says two other union employees also applied for the role, and under the union contract, the position should have gone to the most senior qualified candidate. Instead, the town hired an outside applicant, who resigned within a month, according to Fogarty.

“The town implemented separate testing for each applicant, something they had done with only one person before,” said Fogarty. “They did not comply with Massachusetts General Law 150E. When we asked for details on the tests and the results, the town told us none of the employees passed the test, when, in fact, all passed.”

After voters rejected a proposed override in May, the town announced layoffs that have further escalated tensions. Seven SEIU 888 members were laid off, according to documents provide to South Shore Times. Negotiations are set to begin on a new three-year contract that will start in 2026. 

This story was updated from a previous version.