The federal threats to collective bargaining, Social Security, health care and education funding loomed large at the 53rd annual New York State United Teachers Representative Assembly in Rochester in early May.

The New York City Labor Council, AFL-CIO, organizes a rally every May 1 to mark International Workers’ Day. But the size of this year’s event dwarfed those in years past as more than 15,000 union members, including hundreds of UFT members, marched from Foley Square to Bowling Green in lower Manhattan to denounce the Trump administration’s attacks on worker, immigrant and union rights.


At the June 11 Delegate Assembly, UFT President Michael Mulgrew indicated that the union was leaning toward not making an endorsement in the Democratic primary for mayor.
“There is no clear consensus among the membership,” he said. “It’s one of the most polarizing races we have ever seen inside the union.”


At the May Delegate Assembly, delegates passed a resolution opposing election interference and another endorsing City Council candidates in the June 24 Democratic primary.

At the UFT’s annual city legislative breakfast, 28 City Council members heard how critical an annual “RESPECT check” would be in reversing the paraprofessional shortage in schools. They also heard appeals from union representatives for continued city funding of Teacher’s Choice and UFT programs that benefit educators, students and families.


With the state funding that 750 schools received to bring class sizes into compliance with state law, more UFT members will have optimal teaching conditions next school year and are confident that students will benefit from the additional time and attention they receive.