Friday, April 03, 2020

UFT LOSES PASSOVER, HOLY THURSDAY AND GOOD FRIDAY

Schools will be open next Thursday and Friday in the latest giveback from UFT.

The Mayor used the state of emergency as an excuse to keep schools open on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Passover.

President Mulgrew disagreed with this one at least.

His email (see below) says if a teacher wants to take off, employees have been granted four new CAR days.

I have a maybe not so brilliant idea:

Everyone call in for religious observance next Thursday and Friday. That's right, I mean everybody. Screw the Taylor Law's prohibition against strikes. If you haven't had the need for God in your life yet in this crisis, surely you will find religion by Thursday.

I think we all should be born again next week. Show some guts. We can find some rabbis, priests and ministers to sign our notes.

I'm not disparaging religion or spirituality here. I have done much more praying the last few weeks than in a while.

Mulgrew's latest surrender without a fight in its entirety:

Dear,

The schools chancellor has informed me that Mayor Bill de Blasio has decided to keep New York City public schools open on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10, even though those days are major religious holidays.

I told him flat out that I disagreed with that decision, but the city is going ahead with it anyway. Under the state of emergency he declared in New York City, the mayor has the authority to do that.

With this step, Mayor de Blasio shows that he does not recognize just how hard you have been working during these stressful and anxiety-filled times. I know how seriously you take the role you are playing in this pandemic. You have kept learning alive and been a social and emotional lifeline for 1.1 million students and their families. You met this challenge head-on while taking care of your own families, and no one can question your results.

I can assure you that there has been an outpouring of thanks from parents and from first responders and health care workers. Meanwhile, the silence from City Hall has been deafening. Never once during this crisis has the mayor thanked you for your service. Instead, he diminishes your work by describing it only as a vehicle to keep children at home. 

I warned the chancellor that since so many members and the families we serve observe those two days, it will cause disruption. New York City schools have always been closed for the start of Passover and Good Friday, which are among the most important religious holidays of the calendar year.

Under collective bargaining rules, the UFT has the right to negotiate a compensation package for all the extra days you are being required to work, and I will do everything in my power to see that you are properly compensated for your time. In the meantime, the DOE has agreed with the UFT, District Council 37 and the Council for Supervisors and Administrators that due to the number of different religious holidays that fall within the spring break, all school-based and other 10-month employees will automatically be granted four additional CAR days in their banks. People who take religious observance days will have those days deducted from those four new CAR days. The DOE's granting of these four CAR days now in no way impedes us from demanding a full compensation package in negotiations as soon as we are back in our schools.

No matter how angry and frustrated we are right now, we must focus on the most important thing, which is to get through this crisis. I am sadly sure that there will be many more tough challenges in the days and weeks to come. But we will face them together as we stay physically apart. 

Be safe, be well and stay strong.

Sincerely,

Michael Mulgrew
UFT President




53 comments:

Anonymous said...

I guess the scab was right all this time.

Anonymous said...

Look, this isnt a big deal to me. The last 20 years is the problem. That's why we are treated like shit. All the bad contracts, etc. We will be at home. Just post some assignment on google classroom.

Anonymous said...

The uft has disresfectfuldeblasiuo trending on twitter. That's good enough, right? In solidarity right? Bill, Richard and Michael, right? Wow. Don't say I didn't warn all of you. Maybe if you all would've threatened the opt out things would have changed over the past 3 years.

Anonymous said...

Dont worry, mike sill said we are keeping the receipt from this. What a joke this job has turned into.

Anonymous said...

Give back # 1 million, in turn we get 1.5% raises and have retro held for 11 years with no interest.

Anonymous said...

Where are all the unity shills? The whole list of problems, plus those 3 dangerous days, plus the whole spring break. Oh, they are tweeting and re-tweeting.

Anonymous said...

Whatever you give back you never get back. Keep going uft...Soon we will somehow have less than we have now.

Anonymous said...

Whats coming next:

1) Delay of 4 months in the next raise due in May
2) Delay of the retroactive pay check in October (till December)
3) Extension of the current contract by 6 months.

Anonymous said...

The countdown has officially started now after this giveback. We have exactly 57 days for now till June 1st. Why is that so important? That is the day the official opt-out begins from the UFT. I promise every time James writes an article I will be updating his readers of the official SCREW YOU UFT countdown. How can 10 month employees settle for 4 days in their CAR for 7 days of work!! I am sure the UFT MATH is even going to be worse!!!

Disgusted in Queens said...

June cannot come fast enough. Over the last few days the UFT has solidified my decision to leave the current UFT. If and when we get new leadership I will consider rejoining.
So do all UFT members get the 4 days or is it just the people who take off this week for religious observance?

Anonymous said...

Typical doe. Typical uft.

Anonymous said...

Here is the lesson plan for what was previously Spring Break.

Don’t stress.

Just post these seven one question assignments.

One question a day.

Copy and paste responses here on Sunday 4/19/2020. All of us. At once.

https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/mayor-contact.page?fbclid=IwAR2CkUpRDvmTpJ3tcyW6x0IvU2fWgW0fjbcgB15CHfMVIZVvsdrDEg2DB-c

Question #1 of Spring Break Forced Labor Thursday 4/9/2020

Why do you think the mayor made your teachers go to work in the schools for three days after determining it was unsafe for you?

Question #2 of Spring Break Forced Labor Friday 4/10/2020

During your last full week of school how safe did you feel if you attended? If you did not attend why?

Question #3 of Spring Break Forced Labor Monday 4/13/2020

Why do you think the chancellor directed principals NOT to report confirmed cases of Covid 19 in your school? How does that make you feel?

Question #4 of Spring Break Forced Labor Tuesday 4/14/2020

The governor and mayor believe that keeping “school” open during spring break will keep you inside, making social distancing more effective. Do you agree or disagree with that decision? Why?

Question #5 of Spring Break Forced Labor 4/14/2020

Originally last Thursday and Friday were days off for religious observance. The mayor decided to add them back as attendance days even though the governor did not require it and other districts have off. How does that make you feel?

Question #6 of Spring Break Forced Labor 4/15/2020

Do you feel like the mayor is keeping you and the citizens of NYC safe? Why or why not?

Question #7 The Final Day of Spring Break Forced Labor
Do you think the mayor taking so long to close schools (he even closed broadway first) caused more of your friends and family to become infected? Do you think this makes him responsible for the deaths of students, teachers, paras, and administrators who died as a result of being infected by Covid 19?

Call it a civics/current event/participation in government lesson. The whole family can participate just like Mr. Carranza would like during that week!

Anonymous said...

Take the days and stop whining. People are sick and others are dying while you are still employed and working safely from home.

Justaregularteacher said...

"Hey Mulgrew I got an idea, why not negotiate are compensation before we actually work those days....it just might give you a little more leverage.

Anonymous said...

Unlike before, I am now considering "opt out", went into that school building on those 3 days for training in outright fear due to loyalty and obligation to serve.
Thursday and Friday are High HOLY Days for so many, a time for solace and reflection, to model and teach our own children traditional family values. How else do children learn these teachings unless modeled and taught in the home. Parents are primary teachers, single parents or two parent household have responsibility to family first. My children will not be participating in home schooling on those days.

Anonymous said...

Is this a surprise? Not to me. I am in the ATR status and informed the principal and assistant principals that I had felt sick in the middle of that week staff had to report for training and not one of them asked me how I and my family was doing. Not one of them asked. That's right!

SO...... Yes, I want monetary compensation for the Spring Break vacation that was taken away, want the UFT to sue for having staff report to unsafe schools, want statistics of educators and students that had covid-19, want access to antibody tests, etc.

These are reasonable expectations, but not to even ask another fellow human being how they are and their family is unnerving.

Anonymous said...

What about the parents and the students? Yes, many are not doing the work but many are. Don't they deserve a break? How would you like to be a parent with 3 kids in different grades and having to help them with remote learning every day? Don't parents and students celebrate these holidays too? And does he really think that this will keep kids off the streets? We know already that if kids want to be on the streets, they'll be on the streets. Having school days does nothing to combat that and don't we have weekends when the kids are ofF? I'd like to see him force us to go to school on Martin Luther King Day and Yom Kippur. We'll see the backlash from that.

Anonymous said...

1010,

I’m an ATR also and I hope you are feeling good and your family is doing well, too.

As atrs, let’s look at this as glass half full. For every teacher, admin, and other Uft colleague who have thought less of us because we are atrs, now it’s our time to sit back and do what is asked of us. We were told by the Uft to check our emails. This is what we are doing.

Let all the bleeding hearts who feel they are important work the 14 hour days. Let them check emails at midnight when they don’t have to.

Be well, my friend!

God bless!

Anonymous said...

Just found out in Chalkbeat that teachers can no longer use Zoom because of security issues. Gotta learn something new now!

Anonymous said...

I just went to newchoiceny and opted out. Enough is enough.

Anonymous said...

I respect religious observances, but this epidemic has made it clear that it’s time for God.

I won’t be teaching 4/9 and 4/10. I just notified my administrator. I’d rather lead by example, show humanity and mindfulness.

Let’s pray for our families and our world. Put religious differences aside and collectively send healing to all that suffer— families, patients, ALL first responders (store/warehouse workers, delivery personnel, drivers, Military, EMTs, Fire, Police, therapists, Nurses, Doctors, etc).

waitingforsupport said...

@11:51am: You are absolutely correct. Stay safe.

Anonymous said...

Thank you @11:20 AM for your good wishes. It is appreciated.

Wish you all the best!

Keep posting information, opinions, thoughts.



Anonymous said...

I think Camus said it best. In his novel "The Plague" the main character says that decency, not heroism is the best way to handle the plague that is devastating his city of Oran. When he is asked to explain what "decency" may look like, the doctor simply says, "I can't say, but in my case it rests in simply doing my job."

In my case, I can help out from home. I am not on out on the front lines like many others. My opinion anyway.

Disgusted in Queens said...

When I opt out in June will I still be able to participate in the catastrophic medical coverage? Right now it lists it as UFT medical on my pay stub. Does any one know?

Anonymous said...

I thought the Governor ordered all New York State public schools are following the remote instruction continuing during Spring Break

I have not read of any other in district in the state doing this!

Anonymous said...

Decide if you need this.

Only dues-paying UFT members in good standing can vote on proposed contracts and in UFT elections at the school, functional and citywide levels. Among the member-only programs and services are UFT pension workshops and consultations, the Member Assistance Program, the Student Debt Relief Program, UFT discounts and LearnUFT.

Anonymous said...

Check the daily news...there was a student teen brawl. That is why we need to babysit.

waitingforsupport said...

@12:51 pm: Decency is the best way to cure many of the world's "plagues". There are people out there doing stuff that is truly heroic. In my opinion, the decent thing to do is to stay home, flatten the curve and be ready to do more, if it'll help. Stay safe and thanks for your post.

Anonymous said...

I am taking Thursday and Friday off to reflect, pray and go to church. I will though be back at my computer on Easter Monday morning.

Anonymous said...

3:48, I get more from the American Automobile Association than the UFT. TRS will tell you about your pension just fine and I don't think the vast majority of us will use any of the other programs. Dues not worth what we pay.

Anonymous said...

UFT consultants are mostly idiots, so dont need that. The only thing you need, if you get in trouble, you get a free lawyer. Although, some say those lawyers are awful, and some pay for a private lawyer, making dues useless and worthless.

Anonymous said...

Dear UFT,

I know you said you are negotiating compensation for losing Spring Break. I though you might like some ideas. Here is what Home Depot is doing for their workers who are just working as before, not during previously contracted vacation time, and not unionized. (I know, I know, the Governor) Really sounds like they care about their workers. I could be wrong but read on.

Home Depot is doing this.
Supporting Our AssociatesOur associates are important to your shopping experience. We have implemented the following actions to support them during this crisis:
•Added 80 hours of paid time off for all full-time hourly associates and 40 hours of paid time off for part-time hourly associates to be used at their discretion at any time in 2020 and paid out at year-end if not used
•For associates who are 65 years of age or older, or determined to be at higher risk by the CDC, added 160 hours of paid time off for full-time hourly associates and 80 hours of paid time off for part-time hourly associates to be used at their discretion at any time in 2020 and paid out at year-end if not used
•Providing paid time off for any associate who has contracted COVID-19 until released by a doctor •Providing up to 14 days paid time off for any associate required to be quarantined by a public health authority or the CDC
•Providing additional bonuses to hourly associates in stores and distribution centers -- $100 per week for full-time hourly associates and $50 per week for part-time hourly associates
•Providing double pay for overtime hours worked by hourly associates
•Extended dependent care benefits and waived co-pays

Anonymous said...

We also never get anything if snow days arent used. Other cities get memorial day extended.

Anonymous said...

3:49: Our job is not to prevent teen brawls that happen in the street. That is the result of poor parenting.

Anonymous said...

706, but that is what happens with our clientele. How come those students weren't completing the assigned work instead of fighting in the street?

Anonymous said...

NYC DOE tight-lipped about coronavirus cases among educators
By Susan Edelman

April 4, 2020 | 6:31pm


Following the deaths of a principal and a teacher, the city Department of Education still refuses to release a tally of employees who have caught coronavirus.

School principals have been required to internally report students or staff absent because of COVID-19 or its symptoms, The Post learned.

But DOE officials won’t make the numbers public.

“We are determining how best to collect this information in one place,” said DOE spokeswoman Miranda Barbot.

It’s unclear why the department is keeping the data secret while the FDNY, NYPD and other city agencies have released regular updates on the number of members out sick with suspected or confirmed cases.

DOE principals have been directed to report COVID-19 cases to a central office, and file reports in the DOE’s Online Occurrence Reporting System, or OORS, records show.

Anonymous said...

I guess I'm a smart scab.

Anonymous said...

7:35: Exactly. Having school on April 9 and 10 is not going to prevent these kids from being in the street again.

Anonymous said...

De Blasio thinks it will keep the kids off the streets. He is a totally incompetent moron. I agree with 11:51. Time to celebrate with family and think of God. No need to cynically say we won't assign much Thursday or Friday. Just don't report those days.

Anonymous said...

NYC DOE tight-lipped about coronavirus cases among educators

By Susan Edelman

April 4, 2020 | 6:31pm

Following the deaths of a principal and a teacher, the city Department of Education still refuses to release a tally of employees who have caught coronavirus.

School principals have been required to internally report students or staff absent because of COVID-19 or its symptoms, The Post learned.

But DOE officials won’t make the numbers public.

“We are determining how best to collect this information in one place,” said DOE spokeswoman Miranda Barbot.

It’s unclear why the department is keeping the data secret while the FDNY, NYPD and other city agencies have released regular updates on the number of members out sick with suspected or confirmed cases.

DOE principals have been directed to report COVID-19 cases to a central office, and file reports in the DOE’s Online Occurrence Reporting System, or OORS, records show.

Brooklyn principal Dezann Romain, 36, died from the virus March 23, the same day school buildings were closed to staff and students. That week, another principal in the same building, Ronda Phillips, 48, landed in the ICU.

Last week, Sandra Santos-Vizcaino, a dual-language teacher at PS 9 in Prospect Heights, died at age 54.

Teachers have complained that Mayor Bill de Blasio’s late decision to close the schools likely spread the virus to staff, students and their families.

While school buildings closed, online instruction continues — and attendance must be taken.

The concern about unreported cases is especially pressing now, as workers at 435 schools across the city prepare and hand out “grab-and-go” meals to anyone who wants them.

A number of workers who handled food and packaging have fallen ill, staffers told The Post.

“Many of these workers suffer from underlying conditions, they really are risking their health by reporting to work,” said a manager who is home sick with the virus.

On Thursday, Councilman Robert Holden posted a Facebook message saying he learned a cafeteria worker at PS/IS 49 in Middle Village — one of the meal sites — tested positive for COVID-19.

After Holden called the DOE, the school closed two days for cleaning, he said.

But the councilman remains concerned the virus will spread as people line up to get the bagged meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“I believe the DOE should stop the grab-and-go model, and instead partner with Meals on Wheels and other delivery organizations to bring meals right to the homes of families who request it,” Holden wrote. “This will keep more people inside and lessen the risk of further spreading the coronavirus.”

Anonymous said...

As de blasio lets rapists, killers, mobsters out of jail, gives them free hotel rooms, gift cards, mets tickets and cell phones.

Anonymous said...

WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?

MULGREW, DiBLASIO and CARRANZA
who are all stooges.

They would be absolutely unemployable in the private sector of the economy,
even without this pandemic.

Anonymous said...

What’s next - remote school on the weekends.....or maybe 24/7 school?

Why not? Teachers are the real parents.

Anonymous said...

The 3 amigos.

The UFT is useless and corrupt.

Anonymous said...

OPT OUT OF PAYING YOUR UFT DUES RIGHT NOW!

According to Albert Einstein, the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".

Anonymous said...

I just woke up, did the uft concede summer break yet?

RBE said...

Asked the same about summer on Twitter 20 minutes ago.

Anonymous said...

Please @12:14 PM, don't put in writing this absurd idea. Summer school is for staff that is interested in working and for students that are promotion in doubt and for graduating seniors.

The DOE has provided 4 CAR days to EVERYONE and if a religious holiday is taken, it will be taken from those CAR days. The DOE is not saying that staff and students cannot be marked absent for those days. The choice to be present or absent is yours.

The UFT and the DOE will be entering negotiations to compensate everyone for the work that is being done April 9-17 which were designated as Spring Break vacation.

There is flexibility here.

The only thing that is bothersome is not knowing the compensation which should have been negotiated before we all enter present or absent April 9-17.

I am for monetary compensation - double.

Anonymous said...

Carranza wrote that continuing remote learning will help continue social distancing.

Anonymous said...

The whole point is invalid. I pass a park, there is a whole group playing basketball. The daily news had an article about a huge teen fight in Brooklyn. These are students. They are not staying inside. They are not social distancing. They are not participating in remote learning.

Anonymous said...

File a Department of Labor pay complaint, if possible on line or just mail in the form.
The DOE is highly unprofessional and unethical.
Nothing new her happening here.

TJL said...

12:49, 12:14 wasn't being absurd. What would stop Cuomo and DiBlA-h01e now?

They already shredded the 2nd Amendment even BEFORE coronavirus.
Since then they've shredded 1st Amendment rights to practice one's religion (though I also blame the Churches etc. for capitulating) and Freedom of Assembly. Who are they to tell you you can't even have more than 10 people in your own home on private property?

They unilaterally changed collectively bargained working conditions, adding 7 workdays, without a whimper from the UFT.

So what makes you think they aren't already scheming to keep remote learning active through July and August to "combat the summer slide" or to "maintain social distancing"?