PSU Amherst Co-Chairs: Who are they anyway?

Getting to know PSU co-chairs Brad Turner and Andrew Gorry

An interview by Alexis Ali

Until recently, I only knew Brad Turner and Andrew Gorry in one dimension—our fearless leaders, enthusiastically taking charge of fighting for PSU causes. The talking heads who lead meetings. Those people who share their screens to highlight the minutia of the steps needed to get a fairer wage structure, combat privatization, and other things… (probably mentioned in the emails I skimmed).

However, after reaching out to them, I am delighted to report that they are also humans. Full, multifaceted, people just like the rest of us. To prove it, they agreed to answer some of my questions in the hopes of fleshing themselves out a bit more in my mind (and yours too).

So, like, as a co-chair… what do you do?

Brad Turner: We have a variety of responsibilities, including leading the Amherst PSU Chapter board and the Amherst-Boston executive board (remember, that PSU has both Amherst and Boston chapters); bargaining for the PSU Unit A and B contracts; and negotiating and signing agreements on behalf of the PSU. Most importantly, we help represent members who need assistance.

Andrew Gorry: We represent and help to set the priorities of our union while working to stay connected to the people who give PSU life—our delegates, officers, committee chairs, incredible staff, and, most importantly, our members who take action.

What made you want to become a co-chair for PSU?

Brad: Back in 2016, my department, Information Technology, was being led by a vice chancellor who routinely violated the unions’ contracts and mistreated workers. PSU staff and leaders, along with other campus union representatives, fought back, resulting in a leadership change and a better work environment. I witnessed the power of our unions to make a real difference in the lives of workers and wanted to give back by serving in a leadership role.

Andrew: In 2019, UMass Amherst administrators responded to the COVID pandemic by threatening to lay off hundreds of staff, even though there was no budget crisis for the campus. Although we all shared the pain of furloughs that year, the worst was avoided because of PSU’s organizing efforts. I ran for co-chair in 2020 because I wanted to help build a fighting union that makes the boss think twice.
 

What is the greatest victory you’ve seen to date?

Brad: It’s difficult to pick just one. For overall impact, the work PSU did on establishing flexible work for our campus stands out as a huge win. A previous Vice Chancellor of Human Resources violated our PSU Unit A contract, we filed a charge at the Department of Labor Relations (DLR), and the DLR issued a complaint against the university. Instead of going to a hearing, we settled the DLR complaint by negotiating a process for flexible work at UMass Amherst.

Andrew: We are going to win back the UMass Amherst Advancement positions that were illegally privatized and given to the foundation. When we do, it will be a victory for our job security, the alumni who donate their earnings to our university, and the public trust.

Bonus question: What is the last TV show you binged? How many stars would you give it?

Brad: Bridgerton. I especially love the bright colors, costumes, and music of this fantastical alternate-universe version of Victorian England where nothing is more important than “high society” dance balls and the associated gossip. FIVE STARS!

Andrew: Currently working my way through the final season of Star Trek: Discovery. First Black woman captain in the Star Trek universe, first nonbinary and trans characters, first openly gay characters, and guest spots from genius horror director David Cronenberg and a Maine Coon cat named Grudge. It gets as many stars as the starship Discovery’s spore drive can take it to!

Story originally featured in the Summer 2024 PSU Strong Newsletter