Resolution to ensure letter-in-the-file rights (2-08)

Feb 6, 2008 10:34 AM

WHEREAS, the union is facing two issues at the same time: school budget cuts and the DOE’s saber rattling about using students’ standardized test scores to evaluate teachers; and

WHEREAS, the union has a closed contract that stops layoffs, eliminates the evaluation threat and ensures a 5 percent pay raise in May; and

WHEREAS, in confronting all of these issues, the union needs to work with parents, principals, community leaders and elected officials; and

WHEREAS, there are anecdotal reports that because of the pressure that principals are under to raise test scores, there has been an increase in the number of threats of “U” ratings and letters in the file; and

WHEREAS, city Labor Relations Commissioner James Hanley committed in writing on Oct. 12, 2005 that if there were a disproportionate increase in the number of letters in the file as a result of changes in the 2005 contract, “the parties will sit down and negotiate the impact of that issue;” and

WHEREAS, the UFT asked its representatives in 2006 and again in 2007 to determine if there had been a spike in letters in the file in the schools in their districts, and with the exception of one school, there were no reports of an increase; and

RESOLVED, that the UFT make an effort to determine if there has been a disproportionate increase in the number of letters in the file since 2005; be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT not open its closed contract, and instead, if there is evidence affirming the anecdotal reports, use the procedure negotiated in 2005 with the city Office of Labor Relations to go after such abuses.

Passed at the Feb. 6, 2008 Delegate Assembly.