Dr. Jekyll’s Point of View

 

    Another good friend, ‘Dr. Jekyll’, works tirelessly for teachers who have been abused, targeted and brought up for termination. He is what the entire UFT should be - fearless, out spoken, knowledgeable and personable. What follows is his writing. Thank you, Pat, for all your hard work on the behalf of teachers throughout NYC.

While some find it fashionable to slam the UFT for its' shortcomings, it is important to remember, that despite some missteps, members are in a good place as far as wages and benefits are concerned.  In addition, the latest contract has included several mechanisms that allow for increased member input into how their schools function.  (Full disclosure, I am a part time employee of the UFT) .      

Consider that the UFT, indeed all municipal unions, are prohibited from striking by the Taylor Law, thus depriving membership of its' most potent weapon in labor disputes, the strike.  While the previous contract postponed wage increases to future years, the provisions of the Triborough Amendment to the Taylor Law mandate that without a contract the terms of the previous contract remain in effect indefinitely.  This amendment does not contain any mechanism for wage increases during the period when the previous contract remains in effect, yet the UFT was able to make sure that wage increases were obtained, albeit deferred for several years. Considering the constraints imposed by law, this outcome should be considered a success. Better late than never, no?   

Deprived of the right to strike, the UFT has used its' muscle to help elect public officials who align with our goals and helped shape public opinion to mesh with these goals.  UFT members are currently educating their students under very challenging circumstances, further burnishing our image with the public.  The union has worked closely with the DOE during this crisis, at the same time protecting members from the predation of the DOE, as demonstrated by a previous posting which outlined the tradeoffs gained by agreeing to work during Spring Break.  

We have a strong, vibrant union.  Can things be improved?  Certainly, as no organization is perfect. Members need to become more involved in union matters if they desire change.  Those who have gripes should be working with Chapter Leaders and Delegates to confront these issues and/or consider running for positions within the union.