Lucille Foster

“Becoming a member of our union was a first priority for me at Rutgers. My mother has worked at Rutgers for many years, and has always educated me on the importance of strength in numbers and protecting your rights as a worker. Knowing I am protected by our union gives me the confidence to advocate for the best working conditions for myself and my peers!”

Being a member of the URA union means I have a supportive group to fall back on to help me navigate university policies. I have learned so much information that…

I have been involved with unions since I was a child. My aunts and uncles were all factor workers and union members. As a young theater actor, I did many theater shows for Unions using the Augusto Boal techniques of Forum Theater. My wife and sons have degrees from Rutgers in Labor Studies. For me, being a union member is an integral part of who I am and the work I do.

What does being a union member mean to me? It means being able to fight for solutions that work for us as staff.

As I’m in a grant funded position, initially, my main concern was job security. My parents, both having been union members Mrs in their careers, encouraged me to join. I’m learning that being part of a union is also being part of a community that cares about creating a fair and safe work environment for all.

I was incorrectly classified as a Class 3 employee for years. Thanks to a union grievance and arbitration, I received back pay due and the respect and dignity that a secure position provides. In addition, my younger daughter now has the ability to use tuition remission to complete her undergraduate degree as a benefit.