For the first time in over a decade, UCE of FIT leaders came together for a two-day retreat
focused on building union strength, preparing for negotiations and planning for the future.
Held September 26–27 at the Courtyard by Marriott Tarrytown Westchester County, the
Leadership and Contract Strategy Retreat brought together UCE officers and a NYSUT labor
relations specialist for an intensive series of strategy sessions, exercises and conversations.
“This retreat gave us the chance to step away from the day-to-day and focus on the bigger
picture,” said Paul Clement, president of UCE of FIT. “We’re building the knowledge,
relationships and strategy we need to strengthen our union and make sure members have a strong
voice in our future.”
In attendance were Paul Clement, President; Isabella Bertoletti, Vice President for Contracts and
Grievances; Elena Romero, Vice President for Faculty; Stephenie Futch and Jordan Cook, Vice
Presidents for Staff; Elizabeth Killinger, Vice President for Environmental Health and Safety;
Beniam Abrehe, Treasurer; James Pearce, Membership Director; Mary Capozzi, Secretary; and
David Gribben, NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist.
Under the theme “Building Power, Strengthening Solidarity, Securing Our Future,” union
officers tackled key questions facing UCE: What do members need? What challenges are ahead?
What should the union prioritize? And how can members work together to achieve those goals?
“The retreat was an important opportunity to connect the issues we hear from members with the
tools we have under our contract,” said Bertoletti. “Understanding when an issue is a grievance,
how to investigate it and how to build a strong case gives us a stronger foundation for
representing our members.”
The agenda moved beyond presentations, using grievance case studies, organizing exercises,
mock bargaining and collaborative planning to turn discussion into action. Officers identified
strategic bargaining priorities, explored ways to strengthen member engagement and developed
campaign concepts tied to issues affecting members.
The retreat concluded with a commitment to make strategic gatherings a regular part of UCE’s
work. The union plans to bring officers together twice each semester to discuss priorities,
develop plans, strengthen solidarity and prepare for negotiations.
The message coming out of the retreat was clear: building a stronger union is an ongoing
process—and it starts with members working together.
