After a five-year fight for recognition as a bargaining unit, the UFT’s newest chapter, the Division of School Facilities (DSF) Supervisors Chapter, has come into its own, and members are hard at work negotiating the unit’s first contract with the city Department of Education.

The chapter consists of the deputy directors of school facilities, fleet services, field operations and energy optimization; the directors of school facilities, water quality and lead compliance; and borough maintenance planners. The titles represented by the chapter are collectively responsible for maintaining New York public school facilities and ensuring that buildings are clean, safe and ready to welcome students each day. These members handle all facilities issues, such as carpentry needs, plumbing, electrics and snow removal, as well as environmental matters such as asbestos remediation and water quality.

In 2020, just ahead of the pandemic, then-Bronx Deputy Director of School Facilities Carmine Ferrara began working with the UFT to build out a strategy to organize. Despite the chapter entering the process with 100% of members signed on, the DOE refused to voluntarily recognize it and repeatedly delayed proceedings. First, the DOE forced a full hearing with the Public Employment Relations Board, the agency that oversees public sector labor relations. Then, it filed exceptions to PERB’s decision. However, the chapter — backed by UFT lawyers, negotiators and advisers — ultimately prevailed and was granted bargaining unit status in 2024.

Negotiations for the group’s first contract began in December 2025. At stake are issues of job security, equitable workloads and fair compensation.

If you have questions regarding union organizing, contact a member of the UFT’s organizing department by emailing mtrager [at] uft [dot] org (mtrager[at]uft[dot]org).

— Leigh Anderson