Chapter Leader UpdateNov. 5, 2026

Tell members about the importance of taking our contract survey

The contract is something that unites us all. On Nov. 2, we sent out a survey to all members asking what should be in our next contract.

Here is what you need to know to help members:

• The email went out to members' non-DOE email addresses that they have on file with the UFT. The sender was Michael Mulgrew.
• If members don't see it in their inbox, they should first check their spam or other folders.
• If the email is not in their inbox or spam folder, they will need to call the UFT at 212-331-6311 and request a link. The phone number is active Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The survey closes on Tuesday, Nov. 10. They have until midnight on Nov. 10 to complete it, but please encourage them to do it as soon as possible to avoid running into any issues with the deadline.
• The survey links are unique, so they can only be used to take the survey once. Members should not forward the link to others, or they may not be able to take the survey.
• The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete.
• It will save their work if they have to step away for a moment while completing it, as long as they use the same link.

Our union is large and diverse, so it is critical that all members make their needs known. The collected survey results will inform the work of our 750-member negotiating team as it crafts demands that will protect our rights and add more benefits to our new contract.

The more members who participate, the better our contract will be. A large number of participants will show the city and the DOE that our union is engaged and ready to fight for what we deserve.

Organize a Thanksgiving coat drive at your school

Let's make sure students in need have new apparel to stay warm this winter. Consider organizing a winter clothing drive at your school to collect NEW winter coats, sweaters, scarves, mittens, gloves and hats ranging in size from toddler to adult. Members can also make a monetary donation toward the purchase of winter apparel for New York City public school students living in temporary housing. You can drop off donations at your UFT borough office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or bring items to the Nov. 18 Delegate Assembly. If your school or worksite has collected many items, the union can arrange to pick them up. If you have any questions, please contact Jeannette Noriega at JNoriega [at] uft [dot] org (JNoriega[at]uft[dot]org). Please share the UFT Middle Schools Division's coat drive flyer with your members.

Make a donation

UFT volunteers got out the vote

As historic results continue to be called for the 2026 midterm elections, the UFT congratulates UFT/NYSUT- and AFT-endorsed candidates who earned victories in their races. We also recognize the members who phone-banked and canvassed to get out the vote! UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued the following statement:

"Educators and union members in New York and across the nation made their voices heard this election, saying 'enough is enough!' We elected people who will fight to make life better for ordinary families, whether that is defending public education, safeguarding health care, or demanding that the needs of working families, not billionaires, come first. We look forward to working with these leaders to make these promises a reality."

RESPECT work is still in progress

Currently, the RESPECT check legislation remains a law, and paraprofessionals can still expect to receive their first payment in January.

Negotiations update

The UFT is continuing to make progress in our talks with the city about a permanent solution to the pay gap for paraprofessionals, with Michael Mulgrew reporting recently that there have been some real breakthroughs. We will keep you updated as those conversations move forward.

Court update

As we recently reported, the UFT has been added as a defendant alongside the City Council in the city's lawsuit against the RESPECT check legislation. We filed our own motion to request that the court dismiss this lawsuit, which seeks to block our RESPECT check. As you know, the City Council also filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, and we will keep you updated if the court makes a ruling on either motion.

The city is conducting a dependent verification audit for health care

Over the next year, the City of New York will be conducting a routine audit of city health insurance plans to verify that all dependents enrolled in the New York City Health Benefits Program meet eligibility requirements. This is commonly referred to as a Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit, or DEVA, and is not unusual. The city has partnered with an independent firm, Health Management Systems Inc. (HMS), to conduct this audit. Let members know that the audit is real and they should follow the steps that are sent to them.

What to know:

It is likely you will receive a letter from the city and HMS asking you to submit proof of your dependents' eligibility. Your dependents may be:

• Your spouse
• Your registered domestic partner
• Your children, up to age 26, or older children if they have a mental or physical disability

The letter from the city and HMS, which will arrive in your postal mail sometime in the next year, will instruct you on what documentation you must provide to establish your dependents' eligibility; for example, a copy of a tax return or a birth certificate (do not send original documents). You will then need to sign the form and return the documentation by the verification deadline.

Important points:

The audit will be sent in batches and not everyone will receive their letter at the same time. If you verified your dependents in the last routine New York City Health Benefits Program audit between 2023 and 2026, you will not have to verify your dependents again, and you will not receive any communication from HMS. 

How to get help:

While the UFT is here to support you in all ways, questions about how to respond should be directed to HMS at the phone number in the letter. You can find more information about the audit at the city's website. If you still need help, call the UFT Welfare Fund at 212‑539‑0500 or email healthbenefithelp [at] uftwf [dot] org (healthbenefithelp[at]uftwf[dot]org).