Your union. Your contract. Your voice.
AFSCME Local 651 represents state employees of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services in Southeastern Massachusetts — the direct care professionals and support staff who serve the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens with skill and compassion.
Union office:
318 Bay Street, Taunton, MA 02780
Phone: (508) 822‑5138
Membership meetings:
Third Wednesday of the month, September–June, 7:00 PM
Union Office, 318 Bay Street, Taunton
Next meeting: Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 PM
Bookmark this page — it’s your one-stop hub for union information.
Member Tools
AFSCME Digital Card
Your union membership card on your phone — the free, official app from AFSCME International. Open it, answer a few quick questions, and your card appears with your AFSCME member ID. (Listed in the app stores as “AFSCME eCards.”)
New member? It can take a few weeks for your information to reach AFSCME’s system. Card trouble: memberservices@afscme.org
Local 651 on Your Home Screen
Add this site to your phone like an app — one tap to the next meeting date, your contract, and your steward. No app store, no cost, no sign-in.
Member Services
Contracts & Documents
The current Unit 2 agreement and the constitutions that govern our union.
Open →Stewards & Your Rights
Who represents you at your worksite, and the exact words to say before a disciplinary meeting.
Open →Executive Board
The officers elected by the membership of Local 651 to lead and represent you.
Open →Veterans Tribute
Honoring the members of our local who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Open →Union Bulletin
General Membership Meeting
Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 PM at the union office, 318 Bay Street, Taunton. All members in good standing are welcome. Your voice matters — come use it.
Unit 2 Agreement Posted
The current Commonwealth Unit 2 contract is available on the Contracts page. Know what you’ve earned.
Stewards Wanted
Ready to stand up for your coworkers? Talk to any executive board member about steward training.
About Local 651
AFSCME Local 651 is the Taunton‑based local union of AFSCME Council 93, AFL‑CIO, proudly representing working members of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Department of Developmental Services.
The Work Our Members Do
The Department of Developmental Services supports tens of thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Commonwealth. Our members are the direct care workers, developmental services workers, nurses, and support staff who make that mission real — in residential homes, day programs, and facilities across Southeastern Massachusetts. It is demanding, skilled, and deeply human work, and the people who do it deserve a strong voice on the job.
What Your Union Does
Collective Bargaining
We negotiate the wages, benefits, and working conditions in your contract — and defend every word of it.
Grievances & Representation
When the contract is violated or a member faces discipline, your stewards and officers stand beside you.
Health & Safety
Direct care is hands‑on work. We fight for safe staffing, proper training, and workplaces that protect our members.
A Voice That Carries
Through Council 93 and AFSCME International, our local is part of a movement advocating for public service workers at the State House and beyond.
Our Union Family
| Level | Organization | Who It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Local | AFSCME Local 651 — Taunton, Mass. | Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services members of our local |
| Council | AFSCME Council 93 — Westborough, Mass. | More than 45,000 state, county, municipal, and private‑sector workers in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont |
| International | AFSCME, AFL‑CIO — Washington, D.C. | 1.4 million+ public service workers and retirees nationwide |
Contracts & Documents
Current copies of our collective bargaining agreements and the governing documents of our union. Items marked “coming soon” are being prepared for posting by the local.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Unit 2 Agreement (2024–2027)
Agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Alliance of AFSCME Council 93 and SEIU Local 888, covering Unit 2 service and institutional employees — including DDS direct care titles.
Open PDFMass.gov Contract Library
The Commonwealth’s official library of executive department collective bargaining agreements and memoranda.
Visit Mass.govMemoranda of Agreement
Side letters and memoranda affecting our members will be posted here as they are prepared.
PDF Coming SoonConstitutions & By‑Laws
Local Constitution & By‑Laws
The governing rules of AFSCME Local 651. A copy will be posted here when available.
PDF Coming SoonCouncil 93 Constitution
The constitution governing our council and its affiliated locals across four states.
Read OnlineAFSCME International
The constitution and resources of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL‑CIO.
Visit AFSCME.orgKnow Your Contract
Your contract is more than a pay scale — it covers seniority, overtime, bidding, leave, discipline procedures, and more. If you believe the contract has been violated, contact your steward right away. Grievances have strict time limits.
Local Executive Board
The officers of AFSCME Local 651, elected by the members to lead this union, safeguard its treasury, and represent every member with fairness and strength.
President
David Harnois
Also: AFSCME Council 93 Executive Board (DDS seat)
Vice President
Keith Costa
Secretary
Diane Allen
Treasurer
David Bates
Sergeant‑at‑Arms
Erika Kingsley
Board Member
Sharon Morin
Board Member
Nathan D. Mendonca
Reach Your Officers
To contact any member of the executive board, call the union office at (508) 822‑5138, message us through our Facebook group, or speak with your worksite steward.
Union Stewards
Stewards are trained members who represent you on the worksite — answering contract questions, filing grievances, and standing with you in meetings with management.
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”
Say these words any time you are called into a meeting that could lead to discipline. You have to ask — management is not required to offer representation. Then contact your steward.
Steward Roster
Steward assignments by worksite are being finalized. Until the roster is posted, call the union office at (508) 822‑5138 or reach any executive board member — you will be connected with a steward.
Become a Steward
Strong locals are built by members who step up. If you’re ready to be trained as a steward for your worksite, talk to any executive board member or call the union office at (508) 822‑5138.
Our Council
AFSCME Council 93
Local 651 is a proud affiliate of AFSCME Council 93, which represents more than 45,000 state, county, municipal, and private‑sector employees across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Council Leadership
As listed on the Council 93 leadership page — always confirm the current roster at afscme93.org/leadership.
| Office | Name |
|---|---|
| Executive Director | Mark Bernard |
| President | Christopher “Tiger” Stockbridge |
| Vice President | Kevin Drake |
| Recording Secretary | Nancy Silva |
| Treasurer | Jack Wagner |
| Sergeant‑at‑Arms | Jason Hook |
Council Headquarters
Headquarters Office
116 Flanders Rd, Suite 2000
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (617) 367‑6000
AFSCME93.org
News, member benefits, scholarships, education and training, and more from our council.
Visit the SiteCouncil Constitution
Read the constitution that governs Council 93 and its affiliated locals.
Read OnlineVeterans of Local 651
To the members of our local — and the families of members — who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces: this page is dedicated to you. You answered the call to serve your country, and you serve it still, caring for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens. Your union honors your service, your sacrifice, and the freedoms you defended. We remember, too, those who never came home, and the prisoners of war and missing in action who are not forgotten.
The Pledge of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
For Veterans & Their Families
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 — or text 838255. Free, confidential support for veterans and their loved ones, 24/7. If you or a brother or sister in this local is struggling, reach out. No one fights alone.
Contact Local 651
Questions about your contract, dues, meetings, or membership? Reach out — this is your union.
Find Us on Facebook
Our members’ group is the fastest way to get updates, ask questions, and stay connected with your union family.
Join the GroupMembership Meetings
General membership meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, September through June (no meetings in July or August), at 7:00 PM at the union office, 318 Bay Street, Taunton. All members in good standing are welcome.
Council Headquarters
116 Flanders Rd, Suite 2000
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (617) 367‑6000
Web: afscme93.org
