Leaving Summer School Empowered and Inspired

By Natalie Hofmeister

I had planned to write this blog on the racism woven into Right-to-Work laws. After Labor History Night, I’m finding it hard to focus on the past, and others have written and spoken brilliantly on racism and right-to-work. I want to look towards the future.

I am new to the labor movement. I came to Summer School hoping to learn as much as I could. I wish I could rewind these last five days to go back and wring out even more knowledge from all the conversations I had.

It’s taken me years as a member of unions to grasp how essential it is to organize. I grew up in a middle-class family, knowing next to nothing about “Labor,” and joined my union as a Master’s student at Columbia University as their fight to unionize gained momentum. Today, I’m a graduate worker and student at Cornell, where I teach and research evolution.

Graduate students are a growing segment of the labor movement. Since many jobs require higher degrees, we seek out Master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees to do the work we’re passionate about. Degrees of any kind are expensive. Many people cannot afford to go to college, let alone to spend another five, six, even ten years to get a Ph.D. It’s easy to spend a decade getting your degree if you’re asked to take on unpaid labor serving the university or taking on additional, uncompensated tasks in the classes you teach. Graduate workers share many of the same struggles.

Because going to graduate school is a privilege, I felt incredibly apprehensive about claiming space for myself and my peers in the labor movement. To every single sister in the UALE Summer School: thank you. You made me feel so welcome and empowered.

I’m leaving our school with twenty pages of notes, quotes, and ideas to improve working conditions for my fellow graduate workers, who often work twice their allotted hours, who go without pay for months at a time, and who berate themselves for wanting a more just workplace. (That last one is me.) After I shared our struggle with you all in the General Session, I was amazed by how many sisters suggested strategies and voiced their support for Cornell Graduate Students United!

I’m soaking up the energy each sister shared, and taking it back to my sisters at Cornell. Today, I am not afraid, thanks to you.

P.S. No example from this work illustrated the intimacy between social justice and labor struggles as well as this video on the racism in the “right to work.” I strongly recommend it!

Break Time with Legacy Sisters

By Maytté Martinez 

The following blog post is inspired by sisters who have energized and empowered me throughout my first UALE Northeastern Summer School. This is an interview with sister Susan Tindall.

Interview @ Labor History Night

1.Where/When did you start your career in the union?
I went to work for the workers union out of Bloomingdales Local 3of the United Store Worker Union in 1984. 

2. What union did you belong to?
DC37 AFSCME, which is the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees NYC.

3. Are there any other women from your union that have inspired you or mentored you?
Founding mother Ida Torres held the distinction of going to every school since 1974. 
I was the shop steward and sat in negotiations with Ida as the secretary of Treasure, it was like watching a tennis match. Watching the negotiations as Ida was across the table from Bloomingdales’ management was nail biting. She was short in stature but a killer. 

4. What changes would you like to see in the union? 
I will wait to see people get angry. Take it to the streets! 

5. Something to live by or any final thoughts?
I’d just like to say a very special thanks to everyone who lent a helping hand. To everyone who snatched my stuff out of my hands and carried it for me. To all those who just checked to ask if I was ok. To each and everyone of you that filled my heart with love and gratitude. To all who never allowed me to stagger alone, I say “Thank You.” I love you all to pieces. There is nothing like the company of my sisters!


Leadership is not a title, it is an action.

Black Women Workers and the Janus Ambush

By Maytté Martinez 

The following blog post is inspired by sisters who have energized and empowered me throughout my first UALE Northeastern Summer School. This is an opinion piece written in collaboration with sister Michelle Keller. 

The recent ruling of the Supreme Court in the Janus case was nothing more than a decision to potentially weaken our collective bargaining power. This is the power that has historically benefited women of color more than all other members in our movement. These are members who are the most vulnerable in the labor market and members who face the double challenge of discrimination based on race and gender.

Women of color are (in general) more than 30% more likely than their white male colleagues to belong to a union. Black women are the largest single demographic amongst all public sector works (1:6 workers). Even with the wage gaps closing for union women in general, black women still make $.72 on the $1 of a white male. (White women make $.88 on the $1 of a white male.) Black women have gained their access to middle class via unions and lifted to the qualifications of so many others.

public sector unions are under attack; and the impacts of this attack will be felt disproportionately by female people of color. Our unions help police job titles, functions and qualifications to create public transparency. By extension, it is black women in unions who have been able to gain employment in the public sector and advance in their career paths.

The impact of Janus could mean less funding for labor unions, threatening our ability to negotiate and maintain our benefits and freedoms in the workplace. The coordinated effort of big business, corporations, politicians and the “Bad Hombre”, have targeted non-union members, encouraging them to stop paying their fair share. This coordinated effort has targeted sectors heavily populated by women such as; hospitals, daycare, education, social work and administration. It is not attacking male-dominated workforces such as engineers or police and fire unions. The intent is to derail unions, strain labor relations, crush WOC laborers and bury their voice.

The labor movement cannot afford to leave anyone behind; it’s personal and too close to home. We need action; run for office, demand a quality of service with a louder voice, engage your colleagues and family, educate and empower them, and most importantly protect all that we have gained and hold dear.

Hopeful for a Better Tomorrow

By Sheron Whitter

1199SEIU UHE Organizer

New York 

I arrived at UALE Summer School Saturday with no expectations. One thing that I was not expecting was how summer school would give me fresh energy and stir my passion profoundly for social and economic justice. The weekend kicked off with a discussion on Saturday evening around the “me too” movement that was awesome. 

Sunday was so much more interesting as we dived into discussions of the progression for work and wages since the 1900s. I believe the labor movement was the catalyst to the progress and forming of unions. I also believe that there are not enough concerted and coordinated efforts within today’s labor movement to build legislative power to secure “union rights”. There was and have always been a hidden, strategic agenda to take the rights of working people backwards. The Janus vs AFSCME case and it’s ruling by the Supreme Court is a direct result of this agenda. This has made me really ANGRY.

However, after listening to so many women speaking out on the inequities they face and sharing their experiences as it relates to social and economic injustices and EQUALITY FOR ALL, I am EXCITED and HOPEFUL. Women are making huge contributions at work and in their communities every day. With the continued strength, action and collaboratives of each of us working together, I am convinced there will be a better tomorrow.

Grievance Handling for Building Resistance workshop

What does the super shop steward look like?

She knowledgeable, she's iconic, she's strong and wears many hats.
She fights for all and has big eyes because she is always watching out for you.
She has a big mouth because she has a strong voice and will be heard and will call out injustices.
She has big ears because she hears your story.
She isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves to get the job done.
She is proud of her union and stands strong with all workers.
(I had fun doing this artwork with my amazing union sisters!)

You can never learn enough

Learning is an experience that gives us the skills to succeed and take in more knowledge than you think and know.

We thank sister Angela Ferrito, Organizer, AFSCME Council 13 in Pennsylvania, and sister Amari Verastegui, Finance and Operations Director at the Center for Innovation in Worker Organizing in New Jersey for helping us build power in union and community organizations.

Food: A highlight of my Summer School experience!

Foods! Yay!!! This is how excited I was when I got to dinner on Saturday evening at UMass Amherst at the 42nd Northeast Summer School for Women in Unions and Worker Organizations.  

As I took the bus from Port-Authority to Massachusetts I did not get to take lunch, so I was looking forward to eat. Burritos, tacos, black beans and corn salad, pinto beans, rice were on the menu. People went for second and third plate, after my second plate I was satisfied not because I was full but the food was very palatable.

Sunday morning we headed to the Franklin Dining Commons, I was amazed at the variety of foods that was there. I took a look at the screen to see some information on permaculture which is a system of cultivation intended to maintain permanent agriculture by relying on renewable resources. So, the foods used to prepare our meals are locally grown on a self-sustaining ecosystem. Even the utensils are certified compostable. That resonates with my values for a cleaner planet.

Monday and Tuesday lunch was at the Campus Center Blue Wall. Again, this cafeteria reflects the diversity that exists in the US; it was very difficult to make a choice. Yum! Bakery, Wasabi, Green Fields, Famous Famiglia are among the different choices that we have. Even if I were a student here, I would not be bored eating here; and the food is delicious, savory, and healthy.

I came to Summer School to learn about leadership in unions, now I am writing a blog about foods. That fact became the highlight of my stay, since I love foods, and I enjoy eating a good meal. Oh, by the way the desserts were flavorful and enticing!

Beautiful

This was my first time at the North East Women's Summer School - and this is my first blog ever. I was so proud to see and meet with so many sisters who are focused, active, motivated, and dedicated for an important and common cause.

Even when an "ouch" moment could have cast a shadow over all of the good that has been achieved during our time here, the positive energy that helped to mold us unto the activists that we've become, won out.

We all came together, learned, and grew from the experiences during our time together, even the "ouch" moment. After all is said and done, our solidarity is a very BEAUTIFUL AND PRECIOUS thing (no matter what)! It's almost as beautiful as we ALL are!!!

The Empowered Women

"The empowered women, she moves with a sense of confidence and grace."

- The Empowered Woman by poet Sonny Carroll

As we are still facing struggles everyday, empowering women from over 25 different unions as well as worker organizations have come together as one for the 42nd Northeast Summer School to develop our leadership as women.

Sisters Through Service

Sometimes we can find out that we are connected in the most unexpected ways.  On Sunday, two of our sisters found out that they were connected through service; one as the volunteer and one as the recipient. 

Cynthia Mills, who is a carpenter with the North East Regional Council of Carpenters, participates each year in a Program called Christmas In April. Christmas in April is a volunteer organization that rehabilitates the homes of low-income home-owners, particularly the elderly. With the rehabilitation provided, seniors can continue to live in their homes. Last year, Cynthia installed trim, painted, re-floored and redid the landscaping at senior homes.

One of the recipients of this program was Sabra Mayo's mother. Sabra’s mother worked for 35 years to be able to buy a home for herself and her family.  The home was then in need of repairs that her mother couldn’t afford. The Christmas in April Program came to her home and repaired the deck and driveway and weatherized her home. “Christmas in April was a phenomenal help for my mom,” said Sabra.

This is an excellent example that when we all do better, we all do better.

Summer School 2017 Begins

NE Women's Summer School 2017 is off to an enthusiastic start. As a first time participant, I am greatly inspired by those I have met in the past 24 hours. We are  over 120 women from all over the Northeast representing a wide variety of unions and worker's organizations in both the private and public sector.
I have to admit, the first full day was exhausting yet at the same time exhilarating. It was incredibly rewarding to share ideas, thoughts, questions and insights with not only fellow unionists, but women. I could feel an immediate connection with so many of the women that I met as we have all shared many similar experiences. I look forward to the next three days. There are challenging times ahead for the labor movement in this country and there will be tough battles to fight. Being here with so many strong union sisters gives me hope and resolve to keep going.

Values and Visions, Building the Foundations

We are todays Leaders! 

We are here building and strengthening our foundations to, "Be Better”. 

One must ask, Where do i start?  

It starts with us! It starts with and idea to build a better place for us all. A “value” that runs deep in ones soul to make a difference.

Here at UALE Summer School for Union Women we are working to do just that. Networking with other sisters, building our leadership skills thru our instructors, and sharing experiences with each other so we can build stronger foundations to reach our Visions of tomorrow. 

 What is your Vision for a better tomorrow?

A Net that Works: Creating Networks that Last

 A Net that Works: Creating Networks that Last

Today during general session we had a wonderful discussion about power, bias, race and the labor movement. Our two presenters, Carmen and Tiffany presented us with information about how as individuals and as a movement how we can address racial issues in our community and the U.S. It is wonderful to hear from two African American woman leaders about the issues that we face today and how to start important conversations. As we al are, we are committed to making sure that are are connected to the issues that matter. Making sure that we are educated about these things are essential to keeping up with staying connected in our communities, unions, worker centers and organizations. Thank you to AFL-CIO and Summer School for such a won

derful opportunity!

Nosotros hermanas hispanas de labor... Our Hispanic sisters in labor

Sister Reynalda explains the structure of New Labor
Hermana Reynalda explica la structura de Nueva Labor

Interpretación simultáneamente en español y inglés
Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and English 

The leadership class of Jessica Govea is one of the most inclusive classes I have ever been in. We have members of New Labor from New Jersey as well as the Brazilian Work Center in Connecticut who speak nothing but Spanish or have limited English.  We also have bilingual sisters in the room. Our instructors are amazing in that both are bilingual. We have two amazing translators who translate simultaneously with instruction not only for the benefit of our Spanish-speaking sisters but when the instructor is teaching in Spanish, they also translate into English for those who don't speak Spanish.  This class is not only inclusive of language, but it is also inclusive of the many types of organizations that are working hard to bring workers together in solidarity.

La clase de liderazgo de Jessica Govea es una de las clases más inclusivas que he estado . Tenemos miembros de New Labor de Nueva Jersey , así como el Centro de Trabajo de Brasil en Connecticut que hablan nada más que español o han limitado Inglés . También tenemos hermanas bilingües en la habitación. Nuestros instructores son increíbles en que ambos son bilingües. Tenemos dos traductores sorprendentes que traducen de forma simultánea con la instrucción no sólo para el beneficio de nuestros hermanos de habla hispana , pero cuando el instructor está enseñando en español , sino que también se traducen en Inglés para aquellos que no hablan español . Esta clase no sólo es inclusivo del lenguaje , sino que también incluye a los muchos tipos de organizaciones que están trabajando duro para traer trabajadores juntos en la solidaridad.

My new friend and sister...

My new friend and sister…

This is how every introduction of someone we just got to know in our Sunday morning leadership class began. What powerful words for so many reasons! On Saturday, most of us walked in Summer School for Women in Unions and Workers Organizations at Rutgers University complete strangers. Less than 24 hours later, it was clear that we truly were sisters. We come from different backgrounds, different unions and organizations, different states and even different countries. We are of various ages, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientation and work. The roads we took may be different, but for most of us, we share an ultimate destination: peace, justice, fairness, equality, freedom – a better life for us and our families. We’re united in our quest to make ourselves smarter, stronger and more confident. We’ve committed to bringing others up as we rise. We’re bonding over similar struggles: time away from home, seemingly overwhelming obstacles at work and in society; unjust and unfair roadblocks manifesting in the form of sexism, racism or other discrimination, and exciting but sometimes scary twists and turns ahead. In just a day, I’ve met some of the most badass women I’ve ever known, and I’ve known a lot! Sisters like my new friend and sister Melinda Hayward shown here. She’s a fellow single mommy, church volunteer and new union leader who juggles one day off a week, a six-hour commute and being mama with a burning desire to be a leader in our movement. A member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union, she climbs steel rigs and sets up music concerts for living – thriving in a male-dominated industry. Like I said, badass. Meeting Melinda and so many other incredible women has reminded me about why I do what I do, and it’s fueled my soul with inspiration. So while most of us walked in Rutgers complete strangers, it’s clear to me that we’ll be leaving here as family: new friends and sisters who will continue to support each other, lift each other up and work together as we change the world.

Greetings Sisters, Past and Present, 

   

 We are here, kicking off the 41st NE UALE 2016 Sisters Summer School, at

 

  Rutgers

         University of NJ 

     New Brunswick Campus.

New, and old members, alike, have skillfully made there way thru their first day of classes, and the rain we had all been experiencing the past few days. Hopefully, it has past.

 Sisters, don’t forget to keep track of your umbrellas!

In case we haven’t met yet, my name is, Melinda Hayward. 

 I am a member with, IATSE -Local One, International Alliance Theatrical Stagehand Employees. 

 There are 6 more of my IATSE sisters here. WHOOT!

 Its been such a pleasure, truly meeting many of you fascinating Ladies, hearing so many of your experiences that which have been great learning experiences and beneficial additions to each classes discussions.  Thank you for sharing.

This my first blogging effort so please bear with me, and Share pictures, and comments often. 

 In Solidarity, 

Summer School Has Begun

It was a rainy day to kick off the the 41st School, but spirits and sisterhood love was high.  At our opening ceremony, Sister Donna gave a in-depth history of the School and we got to see pictures of Schools dating back many years along with a video of Sister Ida speaking to the participants the one year she could not attend due to being in the hospital recovering from cancer. Sister Lois Gray celebrated Sister Ida's legacy to Labor, Civil Rights, Women Activism, and to the School with a heartfelt tribute. It is impossible to believe she is not here with us this year, opening the School with her message, to put down ladders for other sisters, and to never let another sister walk alone. But, as Sister Susan said earlier, "She IS here." Yes she is.

Sister Ida put down ladders for all of us, and passed the torch with generosity and relentless energy. We closed tonight with the song we always sing, one of Ida's favorite, "Solidarity Forever." 

Welcome to the 41st UALE Northeast Summer School for Women in Unions and Worker Organizations

Hi Sisters,
We are about to embrace another Summer School hosted at the Labor Education Center at Rutgers. The coordinators have been working many months to deliver a fantastic program.  Throughout the week, participants will have an opportunity to write and create articles for the Summer School Blog, Sister Solidarity.  On the first day of class, your Leaderships Skills instructors will share information about how to become a blogger. Bloggers will meet every day during lunch in the Neilson Dining Hall to review assignments, brainstorm ideas, share helpful tips, share progress on articles, and discuss the blog content.  Look for Amy Dietz (me) at lunch or during the School to join in on the Blog!

The living history of labor

If there was one thing that had the most impact during this past week at the UALE NE Summer School was the Labor History night. Sisters came forth and told the stories of Sojourner Truth, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones, Sarah Bagley, Pauline Newman, Rose Schneiderman, Harriet Tubman, Clara Lemlich, Lucy Gonzales Parsons, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, Jessica Govea, Maxine Dugan, Barbara Wertheimer,  and many others. Three women came forward and told their own stories of being a woman and struggling against the male dominated workforce (Paulette), learning why her mother struck for a better way (Crystal), and being a young woman coming from a non-union upbringing to learn what it means to have solidarity (Zuleyka).

Sister Bev Grant, the cultural coordinator for the School, not only handled everyone beautifully, but led people in song during a technical glitch with the virtual history show on the screen behind the speakers. She has been doing this for 24 years and her experience shows. She wrote a song called "I am a Sewing Machine" in honor of those who died not only in the Triangle Shirt Waist fire in 1911, but those who perished in Bangladesh in the factory collapse and fire in 2013.

This presentation not only told us the stories of the ladies, but it showed that it doesn't matter how old you are, like Mother Jones who didn't start organizing until she was 50, Ida Torres who is still in the fight at the age of 91 and Dr. Lois Gray who is still teaching us women, or how young you are, like Jessica Govea who was only 19 when she started organizing farmworkers along side of Cesar Chavez. If you have the heart and the will and the strength to stand up, you too can become a labor heroine in your own way.

Here are some of the pictures from rehearsal that night, courtesy of Sister Geeti Borah:

Mistress of song: Bev Grant

Cantante Bilingue: Al Bradbury

Absolutely Fabulous Zuleyka Hamilton

Organizing the actresses!

As played by Geeti Borah

Sisters Zuleyka Hamilton and Crystal Shifflet