Welcome to the new school year

Welcome to the 2017–18 school year. I hope your summer was productive and fulfilling, however you spent it.

I have a few things to tell you about as we head into the fall. Below are updates on issues we’ve been working on since last year and a few things you should know this year.

1. Paperwork reduction: We are still fighting to reduce the amount of paperwork for supervisors of school security. Although this issue remains unresolved, it is under review. If you believe that you have been assigned unnecessary paperwork, please email me at alfredwoodalluft@aol.com.
    
2. Issues with poor reception on radios: It has been brought to my attention that department radios are experiencing poor reception. We want to get this resolved as soon as possible. If you know of any radios needing service, email me at the address above.
    
3. Safety equipment: As you know, our jobs require us to have a certain amount of protection. This allows us to do the best job possible at our schools and our sites. Last year, we discussed safety equipment including acquiring new ballistic-, stab- and spike-resistant vests. Discussions are still underway about whether we will obtain them. I will update you when more information becomes available.

As we embark on an exciting year, we also have a lot of work to do as unionists. New Yorkers go to the polls on Nov. 7 to vote on whether to hold a constitutional convention. It is vital that we vote NO on this issue. Anti-union forces are committed to destroying our pensions as well as our right to organize and collectively bargain. Tell your family and friends to join you at the polls and vote NO!

Read more about why we must vote down a constitutional convention »

Watch this video about the dangers of a convention »

Public employee unions are facing an enormous challenge this year. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Janus v. AFSCME court case that seeks to debilitate unions by declaring fair-share or agency fees unconstitutional. These fees cover the costs a union incurs representing and providing services for people who do not choose to belong to a union.

As we brace for this decision, we need every single one of you to remind your colleagues about the benefits of belonging to a union: a defined-benefit pension, employer-paid health insurance, due process rights, tenure, a grievance process, and a voice in how schools are run. Unions, through our voluntary donations to COPE, also provide us a place at the table in Albany as well as at the City Council.

Sincerely,

Alfred Woodall
Supervisors of School Security Chapter Leader