Were you struggling to make ends meet before being hired at Yale? I know I was. Even with my Bachelor’s degree from Southern, I was working two jobs and barely able to make my rent. After I was hired at Yale through New Haven Works, life changed for me and my two children. Suddenly, I had access to good health care, and now, I’m taking advantage of our union home buying benefit to purchase my first home in Newhallville.

My story is just one example of how good union jobs at Yale transform lives. These jobs also change communities. Since joining Local 34, I’ve been able to serve on my local Democratic ward committee, developing my political voice to advocate for change in my neighborhood. I work with New Haven Rising to help ensure that these opportunities are available to everyone, and that Yale fulfills the hiring commitment it made to New Haven—I want to give back.

In our last contract fight, Local 34 and New Haven Rising fought together to win a historic hiring agreement that gave me a fair opportunity to get a job at Yale, and for important protections for the 986 clinical workers, which now keep my job secure. I’m proud to be a leader in Local 34 and New Haven Rising, fighting to win stronger job security in our contract and to hold Yale accountable to providing our community with fair opportunities. When we fight, we win. But we can’t fight alone.

Will you join me in sharing your story? Send a letter here to tell President Salovey, to respect our work, protect our jobs, and ensure that good union jobs grow as Yale grows.