Resolution on Teacher Reassignment Centers

May 13, 2009 11:50 AM

WHEREAS, chapter leaders and others have been sent to a TRC after asserting members’ union rights, or questioning and challenging principals on illegal mandates and practices; and

WHEREAS, in addition to chapter leaders, principals have also targeted members who show independence or otherwise are perceived as threats to authority; and

WHEREAS, sending teachers to a TRC can be a career breaker for members, regardless of the merits of the charges; and

WHEREAS, threats of the TRC undermine UFT chapters and have a chilling effect on the professionalism and independence of all members; and

WHEREAS, OSI has often investigated in a biased manner; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the UFT will continue the current practice of assigning a lawyer to a chapter leader in this circumstance as well as a swat team to the school and of monitoring the OSI investigation; and be it further

RESOLVED, after an initial rapid investigation of the circumstances, where there is a determination of anti-union animus, the union will organize actions at the school in concert with the chapter leader and the chapter until the harassed chapter leader is reinstated; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT insist that the DOE notify the union in advance of the removal of a chapter leader from a school.

Passed at the May 13, 2009 Delegate Assembly.