Working with Unions: The Labor Perspective

by Net Impact

Club Event

Tue, Apr 23, 2024

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM EDT (GMT-4)

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165WA, 4410

165 Whitney Ave. (Evans Hall)

65
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Join Net Impact for a guided panel discussion about labor issues and unions with local labor leaders themselves! We'll be joined by Leslie Blatteau, President of the New Haven Teacher's Union, and a representative from Local 33, the Yale graduate student union.

We'll discuss labor issues from the labor perspective for a management audience - how to work with unions and labor productively, good and bad responses to organizing campaigns, and the potential areas for labor and management collaboration. We hope you join us!

Lunch provided!

Leslie Blatteau has been a proud New Haven Public Schools social studies teacher and union member since 2007. She is in her third year as President of the New Haven Federation of Teachers. During this period, NHFT has addressed teacher retention & wellbeing, as well as working conditions & learning conditions in New Haven Public Schools. In 2022, NHFT negotiated a strong contract for members, securing historic raises and ensuring NHFT’s seat at the table for ongoing collaboration. Leslie prioritizes engagement and activism among NHFT members, as well as partnership with students, parents, and families, as we work together to deliver real solutions to support our students, our schools, and our communities.

Before becoming NHFT President, Leslie taught high school social studies and organized with fellow teachers and community organizations to support public schools and fight privatization. In the classroom and in the union hall, she is committed to anti-racist and student-centered pedagogy and practices. Her focus on reflection, collaboration, and partnership with community has been key to this commitment. Prior to her work as a classroom teacher, she served as an outreach worker for six years, supporting student parents and their children at the Celotto Childcare Center at Wilbur Cross.

Leslie lives in the Hill neighborhood of New Haven with her husband Jim and their daughter Francine (and their cats and dogs). She is a NHPS parent and member of the PTO at Hill Central School where Francine is a third grader.