To the Editor:

In the editorials explaining their endorsements in the mayoral primaries [Aug. 24], The New York Times wrote: “The United Federation of Teachers is not always a friend of needed reforms.” I don’t know how anything can be further from the truth.

Since Nov. 7, 1960, when the UFT went on strike for collective bargaining, and in 1961, when the UFT was elected the collective-bargaining agent for New York City teachers, the UFT has been in the forefront of true educational reform — unlike the mayor and others who are the anti-reformers.

UFT contracts, policies and actions over the years have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate that the union’s fight for reduced class sizes, sound educational programs, preservation of due process and a meaningful voice in educational policies have continued to result in true educational reform.

The New York Times’ view reminds me of the 1950s and the years prior, when teachers had no meaningful voice in determining educational policies and programs.

Collective bargaining and UFT actions changed a lot of that. More true reform is needed. The UFT will continue to pave the way.

Abe Levine, retired