United Federation of Teachers
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| United Federation of Teachers | |
|---|---|
| Name | United Federation of Teachers |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Members | ~200,000 |
| Affiliation | American Federation of Teachers, AFL–CIO |
| Headquarters | New York City Hall area |
United Federation of Teachers is a labor union representing educators and school-related professionals in New York City public schools. The organization negotiates collective bargaining agreements with the New York City Department of Education and engages in political advocacy within New York State and federal arenas, interfacing with entities such as the New York City Council, New York State Assembly, and the United States Congress. Its activities intersect with notable figures, institutions, and events including Albert Shanker, Mario Cuomo, Rudy Giuliani, Bill de Blasio, the Port Authority, and landmark court decisions.
History
The union emerged from postwar teacher organizing influenced by figures linked to the American Federation of Teachers, the AFL–CIO, and municipal labor movements around New York City Hall. Early development involved campaigns connected to leaders associated with Albert Shanker, Theodore Roosevelt High School (New York City), and activism occurring during the administrations of mayors such as Robert F. Wagner Jr., John Lindsay, and Ed Koch. Major historical moments included collective actions contemporaneous with events like the Civil Rights Movement, negotiations framed by state policies shaped under governors such as Nelson Rockefeller and Hugh Carey, and legal developments resonant with rulings from the New York Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Organization and Membership
Membership encompasses teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, librarians, and specialists across boroughs including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. The union affiliates with national and local labor entities such as the American Federation of Teachers, the AFL–CIO, and regional councils tied to the New York labor movement including groups associated with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and the Transport Workers Union of America. Chapters and locals mirror district boundaries shaped by the New York City Department of Education and coordinate with professional associations like the National Education Association in overlapping policy arenas.
Leadership and Governance
Governance operates through elected officers, an executive board, and delegates to conventions modeled after practices of unions such as the Service Employees International Union and the Teamsters. Past presidents and prominent leaders have included individuals connected publicly to Albert Shanker, Karen Lewis, and political allies who engaged with figures like Michael Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Andrew Cuomo. Decision-making follows bylaws comparable to those used by the National Education Association and engages legal counsel versed in cases before tribunals including the New York State Supreme Court and federal district courts.
Collective Bargaining and Contracts
Contract negotiations have produced agreements addressing salary schedules, benefits, class size, and evaluations, negotiated with the New York City Department of Education and endorsed by municipal executives such as Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. Agreements have been shaped by arbitration and mediation processes similar to proceedings before the Public Employment Relations Board (New York), influenced by state statutes like laws enacted by the New York State Legislature and administrative rulings from the New York State Education Department.
Political Activities and Advocacy
The union engages in campaign activity, endorsements, and lobbying at levels involving the New York City Council, New York State Assembly, United States Congress, and presidential politics involving figures such as Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Advocacy priorities have intersected with education policy debates driven by administrations like Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg, litigation strategies referencing precedents from the United States Supreme Court, and coalition-building with civic groups tied to NAACP chapters and community organizations in neighborhoods like Harlem and Flushing.
Strikes and Labor Actions
The organization has organized work stoppages, demonstrations, and informational picketing coordinated with municipal labor allies including unions like the United Federation of Teachers-aligned locals, statewide teacher actions reminiscent of strikes involving groups such as Chicago Teachers Union and Los Angeles Teachers Union. Major labor actions occurred during periods of tension with city administrations, and responses involved intervention by elected officials including mayors Rudy Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg, and Bill de Blasio, as well as negotiations mediated by entities like the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Criticisms and Controversies
Critiques have targeted contract terms, positions on charter schools linked to organizations such as Success Academy Charter Schools, political endorsements involving figures like Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio, and handling of disciplinary and evaluation policies referenced in debates involving the New York State Teachers' Retirement System and reporting by media outlets including the New York Times and the New York Daily News. Controversies also cite legal disputes brought before the New York Court of Appeals and commentary from public intellectuals and policymakers such as Diane Ravitch and Michelle Rhee.