Join WMLA today!
Western Massachusetts Labor Action (WMLA) needs YOU to volunteer with our fight to end poverty in Berkshire County. Since 1974, low-income workers have united along with students, local business owners, professionals and others to build strong, independent organization that can change economic conditions, starting with those on the bottom. WMLA is 100% volunteer and non-government funded.
Learn more about WMLAConditions in our area
Over 37,000 Berkshire County residents struggle to make ends meet, and more than 16,000 live below the government’s sub-survival poverty level. General Electric employed as many as 13,000 workers in the area before closing its transformer plant entirely in 1987; Sprague Electric, as many as 4000 until closing in 1985. None of those jobs remain. As unionized production jobs declined, service work became predominant. Typical jobs now are part-time, seasonal, and minimum wage.
Learn more