WHEREAS,the number of schools in New York City has increased significantly in the past 20 years, the amount of space in many schools has decreased due to co-location and shifting enrollments; and

WHEREAS, many schools are co-located in campuses with insufficient space and resources to adequately ensure the best learning and working conditions for all school communities; and

WHEREAS, Bloomberg-era union busting efforts and space-planning priorities resulted in the closure of teacher cafeterias in many schools; and

WHEREAS, cafeterias and lounges dedicated solely for the use by UFT members are integral for relationship building, collaborating, and union building; and

WHEREAS, increasing demands on UFT members necessitate a dedicated space within school where members can enjoy their duty-free lunch periods with colleagues; and

WHEREAS, the lack of staff cafeterias and lounges has contributed to school communities in which individuals are more isolated and in turn working less together; and

WHEREAS, one major reason why newer educators leave the profession is because of the lack of support, community and positive school culture; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT will survey its members to determine the schools that do not have working cafeterias and/or lounges dedicated to teachers and other UFT members; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT will urge the DOE to ensure that every public school has a UFT-dedicated cafeteria and/or staff lounge; and be it further

RESOLVED, that UFT will support chapter leaders, delegates and school communities in their endeavors to establish cafeterias and/or lounges dedicated to UFT members in unused, available spaces in schools, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT will work with schools and the DOE to ensure that staff cafeterias and lounges are clean, comfortable spaces with necessary furnishings, appliances and accessories to promote positive community building in a professional environment.