Nov 3, 2005 1:05 PM
Last September I began my 51st year on the UFT’s Executive Board. I am very proud of this service to our union. It probably represents some kind of record.
I have always felt comfortable in speaking my mind at Executive Board meetings. I think this is a tribute to the democratic nature of our union and the way in which our presidents through the years have conducted those meetings.
During my 50 years on the Board, the UFT has grown tremendously in membership and influence. We have weathered many crises and have been successful in our efforts.
On Nov. 7, 1960, we conducted our first strike. As an Executive Board member I felt the excitement of the historic action we were taking. However, our strikes of 1967 and 1968 brought home to me the fact that strikes are a very serious business. The Board met frequently during those years and each meeting resulted in heated debates.
I spoke up at meetings in support of the positions of Al Shanker because I felt strongly that Al had a correct understanding of the issues.
In 1975 the Board voted to strike. This terrible period of time resulted not only in a five-day strike, but because of huge budget cuts, thousands of our members were laid off.
Executive Board meetings in those days were very emotional and presented difficult challenges. The 1980s and ’90s brought their own problems: contract negotiations, school violence, oversized classes, etc. Sandy Feldman, our president, presided at meetings and always showed the great leadership skills that she possessed.
In recent years, even though I am retired, I have tried to use the experience I have had to speak out on the issues. I do what I can to support the policies of our president, Randi Weingarten, because her policies are in keeping with the great traditions of our union.
It’s hard to sum up my thoughts after 50 years on the Executive Board. I hope to continue to serve as long as I am able to contribute to discussions and decisions. I have been a witness to great debates and decision making through 50 years of Executive Board meetings. The life of the union was often at stake. To be a part of the decision making that has made our union such a large and effective force on behalf of our members is something I will always treasure.
Abe Levine, now retired, is a former UFT vice president for elementary schools.