The pandemic has changed our work world, but the role of the union remains the same, even as the stakes are higher than ever.

In addition to the regular pay increases negotiated in each city Department of Education-UFT contract, UFT-represented teachers and other pedagogues receive differentials, step payments and longevity increases based on their level of education and years of service.

The UFT-DOE contract’s provisions regarding teaching programs and professional activity assignments give teachers a voice while providing for a fair and objective selection process.

Since 1990, Article 8 of the DOE-UFT teachers’ contract has affirmed that the organization, format, notation and other physical aspects of lesson plans are all up to the teacher.

Paraprofessionals have challenging and rewarding jobs working as part of a team to provide educational and support services to children. They also have rights and responsibilities they should know about.

Whether it’s excessive paperwork, lack of basic instructional supplies or inadequate space, when issues arise that impede our work with students and need addressing, a timely resolution is of the essence.

As we enter a new school year, teachers should be aware of their rights to reasonable class sizes and basic instructional materials.

All UFT members — not just teachers — have the opportunity to transfer to a different school under the Open Market Transfer Plan. The open period for applying to transfer runs from April 15 to Aug. 7 each year.

Under the DOE-UFT contract, every school must have a safety committee and a safety plan created by that safety committee. As part of the 2018 contract, UFT-represented members have a new mechanism to report safety violations and resolve safety issues.

The union is ultimately only as strong as its individual chapters. Each chapter leader is tasked with building a strong and engaged chapter that has meaningful input in school-level decisions and participates in union campaigns to protect public schools and worker rights.