Cara Matthews

The salaries of UFT-represented employees will increase by 3.5% effective Sept. 14 as part of the 2022-2027 DOE-UFT contract that was ratified in 2023.

Fueled by decades of funny stories about teaching, retired 2nd-grade teacher Helaine Witt is going full throttle in making comedy her second act.


Historically, New York City coverage for the GHI Senior Care Medicare Part D prescription drug rider and the 365-day hospitalization have been a combined rider. Now, retirees can decide whether to decouple the two benefits when the annual Health Benefits Transfer Period begins this November.

The UFT vows to continue fighting tooth and nail to get paraprofessionals the RESPECT they deserve. RESPECT check legislation providing paraprofessionals with a $10,000 payment became law in August, but the battle continues as the city has taken the City Council to court, alleging its vote was illegal.

For over 100 years, New York State law has required elementary schools to teach students about the humane treatment and protection of animals, but many teachers are unaware of the legislation.
The UFT Humane Education Committee is working to change that.


Go along with teachers Maureen Collins and Jessica Smalley of PS 264 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, as they take their 3rd-graders on a field trip to the New York Aquarium as a complement to the HMH into Reading curriculum.

About 300 Retired Teachers Chapter members and guests attended the RTC Luncheon, which featured performances by the New York City Labor Chorus, and Jimmy Hill and the All-starz Band, whose blues, soul and funk music got attendees dancing.
The RTC gave out 10 awards honoring members’ activism, advocacy, leadership and dedication. The chapter also recognized 50-, 60- and 70-year union members for their service.

UFT members at PS 35 in Hollis, Queens, won a hard-fought arbitration decision against a principal engaging in union animus. The decision confirms members’ rights to conduct union activity without interference or retaliation.

A sustained campaign by UFT members to reform Tier 6 of the New York State's pension system pays off with state lawmakers dropping to 58, from 63, the age at which members can retire without penalty with 30 years of service.


Former UFT Vice President for Career and Technical Education Sterling Roberson received the Retiree of the Year Award at the Representative Assembly of NYSUT, the UFT's statewide affiliate.