Is UFT’s New Virtual Instruction Program a Strike-Break Risk?
Teacher unionists everywhere need to be aware of what is going on right now in Youngstown, Ohio. Teachers there are readying to strike, following a breakdown in contract negotiations. They had been offered an offensively low wage increase (2%), to name one of several reasons for the job action. In r
UFT: Why weren’t we remote today?
Today, I’m writing with a bit of a headache, having breathed in exorbitant amounts of smoke and toxins both at work and on my commute. Due to an injury that makes standing/walking risky, I don’t have much of a choice but to bike twenty miles round trip. Teachers, after all, can’t afford to liv
The Contract Looms: UFT Delegate Assembly, 5-17-2023
Summary/Analysis: There was a packed agenda at the May DA. I can only offer a few words of summary and analysis, as my own schedule is equally packed. Here that goes. Outside the DA, volunteers from United for Change handed out flyers with our five big demands before we concede a yes vote for any [&
UFT Contract Update: Countdown for ‘Chump Change?’
It seems like everywhere we’re getting signals that UFT leadership is readying for contract ratification. To get a ‘yes vote’ though, they’ll need membership to agree – whether it’s a good deal or not. And that work needs to start now – before we see the details and have second thought
The UFT Endorsement Process: A Recollection and Critique
Last night, the UFT Executive Board approved the second and last round of City Council endorsements (full list at bottom of this article). While I did not agree with every name on the list, this time I can at least say that I was a part of the process. On Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, I […]
Strikes, charters, contract, and endorsements: UFT Delegate Assembly Summary/Analysis/Minutes, 4-10-2023
Quick Summary/Analysis: Informal Minutes Mulgrew: Introduces Pallotta, who did great work for us on the political side at NYSUT. NYC teacher who is retiring. Andy Pallotta (Outgoing NYSUT President): Been a UFT member, District Rep. When we work together we do great things. Thanks for your support o
UFT Endorsements are Imminent – Let’s Make Informed Votes
It’s Spring Break, and UFT members are in the midst of well-deserved vacations. But, it’s also endorsement season for NYC City Council and certain judicial seats. In fact, UFT leadership voted in two big lists of endorsements at the last executive board meeting, so we should expect a vote at the
Michael Shulman’s WBAI Interview Transcribed
Earlier this week, Michael Shulman was interviewed by Daniel Alicea on his WBAI radio show, Talk out of School. That essential interview is also transcribed below. Danieal Alicea: I’m on the line with Michael Shulman. He is a retired educator, who taught in New York City schools for 36 years.
Privatization of UFT Positions; Political Endorsements: UFT Executive Board Minutes 4-3-2023
Summary/Analysis: During the open mic, two visiting members spoke about the ongoing conflict going on for Instructional Coordinators and Social Workers in the DOE’s early childhood department. As a recap, massive excessing occurred over the summer and there is good reason to believe that the City