A union is an organization of employees that come together to have a voice in their workplace and pursue their common interests. Because unions are organizations by, about and for their members, the activity and involvement of members give a union its strength.

Unions serve as vehicles for their members to achieve many different goals. Some of the things that unions do:

• Negotiate contracts for better working conditions, wages and benefits.
• Offer training to their members to perfect their professional skills.
• Advocate for the interests of their members both in the workplace and in the political arena.
• Serve as part of movements for social and economic justice for working people and their families.
• Help members offer a higher level of service to their clients (in our case, children)

As a union of teachers and school employees, United Teachers of New Orleans does all of these things. Our work to develop and advance the professional abilities of our members is an important focus, but it is not all that we do. UTNO advocates for the interests of educational professionals, students, parents and communities. This means that the union promotes and supports policies that help us move towards the goal of a quality education for every child who attends a public school in New Orleans, regardless of race, economic background, or school system they attend. UTNO is also active around such issues as affordable health care and housing, because these things affect our students, their parents, and their communities.

UTNO is part of the proud history of the American labor movement that stretches back centuries. Over time American trade unionists have won significant victories that changed the world, including the 8-hour day and 40-hour week, the right to bargain collectively, and the right to organize and be involved in unions free from persecution. It has not been easy, and many unions and their members have struggled for these victories.

Members are involved in the function of their unions in various ways. At United Teachers of New Orleans, one of the most important ways members are involved in UTNO’s day-to-day activities is through committees. UTNO’s committees are groups of members who meet on a regular basis to shape the direction and activities of the union.

UTNO Committees are also an important way that members can be part of broader dialogue about the future of education in New Orleans.

UTNO has the following committees that meet regularly:

• COPE (Committee on Political Education)
• Discipline Committee
• Teaching and Learning Task Force
• Contract Development
• Member Benefits
• Health and Safety Committee
• Nominations and Elections Committee
• Leadership Development
• Community Engagement
• Student and Parent Relations
• Communications Committee

To become active in one or more of these committees, contact an UTNO organizer by calling (504)304-2160.

UTNO is a democratic, member-governed organization and holds regular elections for officers to lead the union. The primary governing body at UTNO is the Executive Council. The 2008-2010 Executive Council consists of President Larry Carter, Executive Vice-President Jim Randels, RSD vice-president Deirdre Williams-Parker, NOPS Vice-President Terrie Willard, Secretary-Treasurer Leoance Williams, Recording Secretary David Cash, NOPS PSRP Member-At-Large Linda LaGarde and six teacher members-at-large.

Additionally, each school has an elected building representative who is the primary representative of UTNO at the school site. Building representatives are important resources for members and can help members learn more about the union.

In addition to union leadership, staff also plays an important role. UTNO hires staff to attend to the day-to-day business of the union, such as maintaining union information, public relations, managing union resources and organizing, and staff is an essential part of the function of the Union. Staff members are directed and managed by the President and Executive Council of UTNO.