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Queens charter school chooses UFT

Nov 15, 2007 5:27 PM

Teachers at the Merrick Academy — Queens Public Charter School have overwhelmingly demanded representation by the UFT and the union is moving swiftly to make that a reality.

UFT President Randi Weingarten wrote to the school’s board on Nov. 5 requesting that the school recognize the union as the exclusive bargaining agent for the school’s staff. Weingarten’s letter followed a number of meetings initiated by the employees of Merrick Charter who overwhelmingly expressed their desire to join the union.

Merrick is the first New York City charter school to be organized by the UFT in more than three years.

“Merrick’s team of first-rate educators, recognized that with a seat at the table they can be more effective in their practice and help to build a stronger school.” Weingarten said. “We look forward to board recognition and working with the Merrick staff to negotiate their first contract.”

Merrick’s unionization follows in the footsteps of the UFT’s trail-blazing approach to charter schools, beginning with the union’s founding two of its own in Brooklyn and more recently with the planned Green Dot school in the Bronx.