Friday, October 15, 2021

MULGREW DESCENDS TO YELLING AT DELEGATES HE DISAGREES WITH AND MULTIPLE DELEGATES REACT WITH OUTRAGE

Wednesday's Delegate Assembly saw UFT President Michael Mulgrew sink to new lows as the biased chair. This blog has been screaming since Michael Mulgrew took over as UFT President how he has mangled democracy beyond recognition at the DA. Mulgrew and I battled each other repeatedly over the years because he routinely violates the neutrality of the chair to advocate for himself and Unity Caucus, the political party he controls that ruins runs the UFT.  He's gotten away with more of his bias chairing after I retired because he usually is never challenged. 

In addition, during the pandemic when DAs went remote and could easily be controlled by the leadership, Mulgrew's buddy Rasheed can just cut off in midsentence anybody who says anything undesirable on the phone which was done on Wednesday in the new hybrid format (some live and some on the phone) that will be used this school year. After over a year of remote meetings where Mulgrew could screen the questions coming in and so he got used to almost never being challenged, he had to deal with a partially live DA and he couldn't handle people who were not on the Unity gravy train.

Many, probably most, of the Delegates Mulgrew calls on are receiving a paycheck or some other kind of largesse from the UFT. If they belong to Unity Caucus, they sign a pledge to support Unity Caucus positions in union and public forums. It doesn't take much talent to stack an auditorium with people on the Union payroll. This is what the rest of us are up against. 

It is very troubling, or maybe it is encouraging, that at the first DA of the new school year with hundreds of new Delegates either attending for the first time on the phone or in-person, Mulgrew showed that he has learned nothing about being impartial.

First up was a Delegate named Martina who was a young woman who asked the President during the question period about the New York State Health Act. This is how Arthur Goldstein reported the exchange between this new Delegate and Mulgrew:

Q--NY health act--Delegate Assembly supported it, but UFT ran ad against it. Why are we paying COPE dollars against things we supported.

A--We will not support NYHA. Will take thousands of dollars out of UFT pockets. If we can get our health care at no cost, we would do it. Not what NYHA will do. I know facts on social media are what people go on. But our lawyers say otherwise. 

Here is how we reported it:

Question: New York Health Act, we passed a resolution at the DA supporting it in 2015 and now we put out an ad against what we support?

Answer: We will not support the New York Health Act. It would cost members thousands of dollars. NY Health Act will not give us everything we want and have money left over. People go on what is on social media but our lawyers don't agree. Facts, people, not rhetoric.

Both reports are basically identical but neither can show the degree to which Mulgrew talked down to this woman in an angry and dismissive tone. His suggestion that this is social media spreading lies is just plain wrong. The Delegate asked about why the UFT isn't upholding its own policy. It was embarrassing to listen to Mulgrew talk down to the Delegate while he didn't explain why the UFT has a policy but Mulgrew claims that he and his lawyers can make policy that goes against what the DA decided. The proper way to change UFT policy after the lawyers give advice is to go back to the DA and vote to change it and not to yell at a Delegate who asks a question about it.

Second, Peter Lamphere from MORE (one group opposed to Unity) raised a Point of Order because during the ten-minute new motion period, Mulgrew didn't call on anyone from the opposition. Mulgrew first called upon a Delegate who introduced a motion for the UFT to urge the City Council to pick a woman as Speaker. This was followed by a motion on 9-11. Neither was very controversial. Peter said wait a minute as his Point of Order quoted Robert's Rules that the Chair is required to be impartial. By not recognizing anyone from the opposition to Unity who were supporting dozens of retirees who were outside protesting for transparency in healthcare negotiations, Mulgrew was stifling dissent. Mulgrew screamed that Peter was out of order because he called on him in the past. Peter then made a motion for the motion period to be extended. Mulgrew went on as if Peter wasn't even there. A group of from 20-35 Delegates got up and took matters into their own hands chanting, "Hands off of our healthcare!" Mulgrew tried to ignore them too and he was quite fortunate that they walked out so he could continue the meeting.

Why I say this undemocratic chairing was both troubling and encouraging is because there are Delegates online who are as outraged as I usually was at DAs. They expressed themselves online and Norm Scott over at Ed Notes printed their reactions to Wednesday's DA:

The first delegate assembly of the 2021-22 school year displayed the full disarray, disorganized, and unhinged leadership of the union. 

Since the start of the pandemic we have had a union that is far removed from its members. Yesterday we saw a leadership that is now in open contempt of its own members. 

The president of our union, paid by our union dues, actually yelled at his own members, working classroom teachers, elected by their chapters. 

Our union leadership refuses to address changes in retiree healthcare which reduced coverage which is bound to happen to active members in the upcoming contract.UFT leadership endorsed a Mayoral candidate they previously opposed, they were forced to call on executive board members who are no longer in the classroom and retirees that last taught in the 1980’s. 

Mulgrew sounded like “my angry drunk father."

A resolution was passed calling for woman leadership of our city council “but we have all men running the largest union of women in the city”  -- Chapter leader and long time teacher

Mulgrew’s report was like the worst PD I ever had to sit through”  -- New chapter leader

Mulgrew and his Unity caucus are more disconnected than ever before. They haven’t been in the classroom since the pandemic, they have no clue about anything teachers or paras deal with daily and it shows when he talks... Veteran chapter leader

Every single health care speaker was chastised, interrupted, and deemed out of order. As a new delegate it appears I'll need clarification on when we're allowed to talk about health care, because this happened during multiple parts of the agenda... New delegate  

And one more concerning Mulgrew exclusively calling on Delegates wearing pink:



I had a discussion with the UFT's parliamentarian in 2014 after five years of frustration with Mulgrew not letting dissenting voices be heard. Some of what was stated then:

During my discussion with the Parliamentarian, I even went back to the preface of Robert's Rules and read a portion where it gives the history of parliamentary procedure.  Right there on page xxiv, it says in 1592 the principle was established to alternate speakers between those for and against.  Here is the wording: "It was made a Rule, That the Chairman shall ask the Parties that would speak, on which side they would speak... and the Party that speaketh against the last Speaker, is to be heard first."  

Maybe with your help we can finally catch up to where England's Parliament was in the 1590s at the UFT in 2021.

92 comments:

Anonymous said...

Teachers will keep paying the UFT to be ignored or chastised. For the 10 million dollars per year in union dues I’d let you all scream and throw rotten tomatoes at me once per week. Mulgrew only has to do it once per month. Dues are the only leverage members have. I know you don’t want to hear it James but it’s what needs to happen if you want them to change. Your way is not working even though many appreciate your efforts.

Anonymous said...

It is now beyond obvious that the Unity controlled leadership is operating as a cartel. They are openly shutting down and trying to destroy any and all opposition. He should be brought up on RICO charges as his caucus is pretty much operating as an organized syndicate that is taking our money without our voice on input.

Bennett Fischer said...

The delegate who was yelled at by President Mulgrew is a brand-new delegate who was attending her very first DA. Can you imagine that? When this young woman addressed the rally after she came out of the DA she eloquently expressed her dismay at experiencing her first taste of UFT democracy. She said that never, ever, could she imagine speaking to a student - nor could she imagine any teacher ever speaking to a student - in the way that President Mulgrew had just spoken to her. She was very moving. I found myself wishing that my daughters had had her as a teacher.

James Eterno said...

2:18, We agreed that the argument over dues will not be resolved here so we are moving on. You could be new so I let it go but no more. This is a pro-union, anti Unity Caucus leadership blog.

Juan said...

They are outraged.

Oh no.

What will they do next?

Keep paying dues.
Keep going to the ridiculous and pathetic DOE job.
As if anything will change.
SAD!

Anonymous said...

Here comes James with his pro union-anti uft nonsense.

Ok, genius, how are we getting this behavior to change?

Didn't you write a few days ago that members have had enough. A few days later...Mulgrew screams at delegates.

Gimme a fucking break with your pro union stupidity.

Anonymous said...

Are we in the pocket of unity, stupid, naive?

But it will change soon, right?

Anonymous said...

VOTE HIM OUT. There, that was easy. Now, do it.

Anonymous said...

533 pm...Not happening.

Anonymous said...

Other professions also may not agree with the positions and actions of their unions, yet they maintain affiliation.we need a union.without it, who will u call? We have what we have because of our union fights in the earlier days.mulgrew should be voted out, although he may have learned how to steal elections.he is the problem, not the union body.maybe we need to campaign.if people are not reading, they just vote him in...awareness is key!I would love to see a great union!
Some of you have no idea what a union less situation would do to us.

Anonymous said...

I have to laugh when James becomes a Karen and complains about UFT leadership being unfair towards him when he behaves exactly same way towards various commentators on this blog. Don't like communism James?,then start by not being one yourself

James Eterno said...

You guys criticize me all you like and I am not the UFT Presient, just a little blogger.

Anonymous said...

I still don’t get the I’m not paying dues— if you won’t have the pleasure of voting him out.

I truly hope all the other caucuses get their act together and create a single slate that will beat unity. I think if all groups stick together enough people can talk staff members to vote against UNITY and talk retirees to vote against UNITY.

This is the moment and I hope people are up to it.

Anonymous said...

7:29 No, he behaves that way towards YOU. You poor thing, he won't let you post your lies?

Anonymous said...

I am disgusted by Mulgrew's treatment of a female delegate but not surprised. It is my hope that this delegate and all of us share his behavior on social media to get the word out that this is not ok and that change is needed. Every teacher would be up in arms if this were an administrator speaking to a teacher like this. Now we have the union president treating a member of a union made up of 75% female this is not ok. We pay dues for weak, pathetic leadership and now this?

Mulgrew berated a member-he has to go! He treats members the way principals treat us and this is not ok. No excuses for treating a female teacher like this.

Share this ok all facebook groups, tweet his treatment of a member, this cannot be tolerated. I believe members will care we just have to make them aware of his actions. Yes, it can be shared in our buildings but social media would be a huge help. Treating a new delegate, a breast cancer survivor like this has got to be the last straw. Share,share,share, inform members of this disgraseful untolorable act. Advocate for charge in leadership. TAKE THE TRASH OUT.

#Mulgrew needs to go. #-ineffective, degrating of women no more-#timeforchangeinUFT 2022,

Disgusted in Queens said...

The Unity Slate-needs to go. Every member of Unity should have defended this members right to speak and be heard. The fact that they did nothing shows they condone this treatment of females. There is no excuse or condoning this behavior in 2021.

Women deserve respect and should not be spoken over by a man. The fact that Mulgrew did this shows what he is and what he is not. Mulgrew is not a good leader. His time is done. Think about it-Would you want your wife, daughter, mother, sister, girlfriend degraded and spoken in that way? Mulgrew clearly was trying to intimidate this new female delegate into submission. This should NOT be ok with anyone. If you choose to make excuses, look away, then you are no better than Mulgrew because by doing nothing you are accepting his behavior as ok. If you make excuses for Mulgrew-this is not ok. Remember things need to change and the change starts with you. Don't allow this to be forgotten about. It is not ok. Share Mulgrew's behavior, then share other groups info so that we can work for change, I don't know the other groups, I just know I don't condone bullying of any kind.

Jonathan Halabi said...

As UFT members (most of us) we have a right to representation at the DA, and an interest in the DA being run fairly. Mulgrew presides, but the space, in theory, belongs to the delegates, not Mulgrew.

A blog is someone's personal space, like the blogger's kitchen table. He can let in who he likes, and he can define what conversation is appropriate. It's his table.

None of the whiners here have paid dues to be part of James' family, to sit at his table. You are, in fact, fortunate, that he allows some of the discussion here to continue. I would be far less tolerant. But, his table, his rules.

Jonathan

Anonymous said...

Cancel Mulgrew.

James Eterno said...

The opt out discussion is done. We made that clear yesterday after we let one sneak in as it sounded like someone new. Move on, folks. The discussion is about a democratic DA.

Anonymous said...

Difficult to share this in schools, as the reps are loyal to Unity.someone's idea of using social media can make a dent if shared on many accounts.
Teachers who act like Mulgrew might even be subjected to 3020a verbal abuse charges.he was bold enough to do this publicly around so many.he feels invincible and unless he is held accountable, his bullying will escalate.

Anonymous said...

I’m a woman. Mulgrew speaks to all dissenters that way. Just because this particular female delegate couldn’t tell Mulgrew to shove his condescension up his corrupt ass doesn’t mean all women would have been silenced in this way. At the very least a “I’m not your wife or your girlfriend mutherfucker, talk to them that way. Not me”

Anonymous said...

Lol. I wonder if there's a problem. Perhaps this isn't the gold standard. Perhaps thet aren't all good kids.

https://nypost.com/2021/10/15/nyc-schools-chief-pleads-with-parents-to-get-kids-to-class/amp/

Anonymous said...

Exactly 9:41! No excuses. Mulgrew needs to be held accountable. He is not fit to lead the UFT hasn't been for a long time. Here is clear cut proof witnessed by a large group of UFT members. #Respectstartsfromwithin, #UFTneedscompendentleadershipnow,

More women need to run for office. #UFTfreshstart2022

Anonymous said...

I'm a bit confused. Mulgrew has been on this wear pink Crusade for 10 years now. Every October delegate assembly he declares that he will not call on anyone who is not wearing pink. And for ten years nobody in the opposition has stood up call for a point of order and challenge him on that. So here we have a situation where he does what he has done every year for 10 years but now it is about abusing women and I don't see it that way. The man is clearly a clod but to say that he disrespects women is just more of the same selective sexism. He's been doing that to men forever so how is this sexism?

Anonymous said...

Somebody on here mentioned that the uft has all men in leadership. And this is simply not true. There are 4 out of 6 vice presidents are women and last year three out of five of the borough reps were women. The treasurer is also a woman. However, the three people up on stage at delegate assembly are men but that is not arepresentative sample of leadership as a whole

James Eterno said...

Mulgrew is the president and the staff director is Leroy Barr. Two men. The rest of the AdCom, Executive Board and Delegate Assembly are basically rubber stamps. It would be unprecedented if those women on the AdCom outvoted their boss on any issue. I'll believe it when I see it.

James Eterno said...

12:49, Many new first-time delegates as this was a chapter election year. Many in the past got disgusted by their first DA and didn't show up again until there was a contract vote. This year, they fought back. Maybe it is a new day.

Anonymous said...

Disgusting! I also got talked down to by a lackey when emailed Mulgrew about a dispute I was having about health coverage. Mulgrew didn't bother to get back to me. But this overheated person who supposedly represents me was very unprofessional, huffy and brought it to a personal level when I disagreed with him on the issue.

I was horrified!!

From what I gather, unprofessionalism and aggression towards dissenting opinions is allowed at the UFT headquarters. He tried to Man-splain me, that was evident...and I could even make it out as his voice crackled with antagonism after I disagreed with him.

They like to intimidate. But guess what...it's a free country. Vote Mulgrew out and tell your friends.

Anonymous said...

James, Leroy is a powerless lackey, too. The UFT is run by Mulgrew alone. But you can't say it's men only because the boss is a man. The next Prez may well be a woman since so many in leadership are female

Anonymous said...

I'm on UFT staff. Rudeness and condescension are definitely prohibited when assisting members. The woman could have complained in writing to the reps supervisor and he would have made sure the member received a courteous response. Reps are human, too, though, and one can have a bad moment. But client service is paramount and the vast majority of our members get excellent help.

James Eterno said...

Leroy is staff director and head of Unity Caucus I do believe. He has tons of power within the UFT.

Anonymous said...

James writes..."Maybe it is a new day."

Yeah, ok.

What would possibly make you think that? Other than hope...?

Anonymous said...

Another New York City child has died of COVID-19, according to data posted this week by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The death raises the city’s reported toll among the youngest New Yorkers to 30.

https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-reports-first-covid-19-death-child-schools-started

Anonymous said...

Leroy also heads up District 25 I believe.

3:46 well ther are higher ups that degrade and speak down to members. They refuse to hear another point of view and insist they proceed to tell a member they must be wrong even after the member is right. Disgusting, Unprofessional, should be fired or better put back in a class room Dermot Smyth UFT

johnny said...

The comparison isn't even close with regard to the conversation on this blog and to how Mulgrew treats his "constituents".

Anonymous said...

ok-12:49-
"So here we have a situation where he does what he has done every year for 10 years but now it is about abusing women and I don't see it that way."

It's about women and others standing up for themselves and saying enough is enough. Breast cancer is a female disease. This delegate is new. It's a new day. Just because you and other delegates took his shit for 10 years does not mean new ones need to continue to do so.

Your argument is like saying Cuomo did nothing wrong. Cuomo talked down to female staffers for several years, but finally someone said enough is enough. The fact that you sat there for 10 years taking Mulgrew's disrespect is your problem.

If you and other males don't like being spoken to this way, why haven't you spoken up about it? You are more concerned about me saying that this is a female issue that Mulgrew's behavior itself. Just because you are accepting of it does not mean the rest of us have to condone him degrading females.

Your point is poor. Think about it. If we continue along the lines of your thinking-gays, blacks etc. would never have received the respect they deserve. It's like saying, oh they were always treated a certain way..what's the problem now?? The problem now is enough is enough and we PAY his salary..new delegates as well as old. It's your choice to take it and it's our choice to not. The UFT is 75% female so, yes I'd say this is a female issue.

I hope you are no longer confused. It's a new day time to move on from Mulgrew.

Anonymous said...

My guess would be that an overwhelming majority of those who donate to the UFT have no idea what the UFT does or is supposed to do. People join the UFT because it is expected.

As long as the UFT members stay uniformed, nothing will change for the better. The union dues will keep rolling in, Mulgrew and his cronies will stay in office lining their pockets, and the donating members keep suffering with the crazy conditions in the schools.

Anonymous said...

7:08-
Hide under the bed fool if that helps you feel better

Anonymous said...

8:48 somebody shares a report on a child dying and that's what you come up with? I hope you don't work with children.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a member of DA, so I was never in a position to challenge him. But I still don't see how his action was sexist. He refused to recognize non pink wearers of both sexes. Inappropriate, but since he did it to both sexes, not sexist. So, I remain confused.

Anonymous said...

6:05 female administrators talk down to other females all the time, so it is not a male or female issue, it's about respect in general. I have never, ever seen such disrespect as there is in education. Too much of being around bratty children that as people rise through the ranks they think they can treat others as children that need to be corrected.

People are making a big deal about calling on people who wear pink, and referencing social media. Yes, condescending, but members are not going to stop voting for this guy for those things. I don't see Mulgrew as the devil incarnate. He doesn't win all the battles, but to say that he doesn't fight for his members is just not true. You win some, you lose some. The fact that we are not a strong, unified union is a bigger problem. There's a story about the Longshoreman's union ($250K a year), and the slowdown they're causing on the docks. One thing that stood out is that management stays off their back because they're a powerful union and they'll get management fired if they don't like them. How can we become that strong? One way is to get NYC schools out of mayoral control.

Anonymous said...

Mulgrew yelled at a woman who challenged him, it had nothing to do with pink. That is no way to talk to anyone but it is particularly disgraceful when it is a young woman at her first DA who asked a legitimate question about healthcare.

Anonymous said...

When specifically has Mulgrew fought or asked us to do something collectively? This union used to shut this city down. Mulgrew wouldn't risk his union dues for anything. He is a phony little bully and members are finally waking up to that reality.

Anonymous said...

Mulgrew fights for private insurance companies and private hospitals, not members. That is the real force behind the UFT.. Maimonides and GHI.

Anonymous said...

People, we need to start talking to our colleagues about the problems in our union leadership. Get the word out...

1. What the HECK are they doing to OUR HEALTHCARE?

2. Why is Mulgrew allowed to MONOPOLIZE DA meetings with his own brand of propoganda and an iron fist that's sugarcoated with lackeys paying him compliments all the time with their questions.

3. WHY can't he allow himself to respond in a democratic way to a CHALLENGE?

4. We have to keep PORTFOLIOS that are online and all the other BS with remote learning? Really, on top of what we already squeeze into our day.

5. The city is following CDC guidelines in the schools. REALLY? REALLY?
I repeat...my people:

GET THE WORD OUT. IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE.

Anonymous said...

Mulgrew didn’t yell at the woman because she’s a woman. He yelled because he sees us all, men and women, as serfs who should stfu and agree with everything he does. How did Mulgrew even know this person was a women? Isn’t the left into not assigning genders now?

Anonymous said...

Death rate among children in various states is 0% to .26%. No need for alarm. Obesity or other immune compromising conditions in children mean these children should be home. The flu and other illnesses can kill them. Not just COVID.

Anonymous said...

9:48 is there video of him yelling at anyone? The only thing I've seen is a question/answer exchange.

Anonymous said...

9:52 didn't the city just reverse course on observations? Last year Mulgrew also fought to allow more time before reopening. He's fighting for Spring Break money, and although that hasn't happened yet, if it ever will, doesn't mean he hasn't tried. I just don't think he's as bad as people make him out to be. Frankly it's similar to how no matter what teachers do, it's never enough.

Anonymous said...

Wow, after two months the DOE agreed to follow our contract that says two informal observations and you call it a victory. That the DOE tries to throw in extra observations in the first place shows Mulgrew's weakness.

Waiting another year for retro from 2009 oh and it will be two years before we have a chance to get a dime for spring break pay. Weak, weak weak.

Anonymous said...

12:32 I doubt anyone has had two written observations by now. Whatever. You people can't be reasoned with. He won by a vast majority of the vote so I guess you'll just have to deal with it, like it or not, but complaining all the way. Lol.

Jaime said...

I kept my children remote last yr because I have autoimmune conditions - I have successfully kept Covid out of my house - 1 month into school & my 8yr old daughter’s test just came back positive. I wish I kept her home.

Anonymous said...

10:25 nice way to stereotype

Anonymous said...

9:52 the city reversed their observation policy on a fraction of teachers. There are tenured teachers who have never been rated less than effective who were asked to teach in subjects other than their license area due to the pandemic.These teachers were informed that they would be rated satisfactory or unsatisfactory last year and would not be a part of advance...These tenured teachers that were rated satisfactory are now being told they will be subject to 1 formal and 3 informal observation which is the same as untenured teachers .Outrageous

James Eterno said...

Who negotiated this contract with observation loopholes you can drive a truck through? That would be Michael Mulgrew.

Anonymous said...

What really sucks about the leadership of the UFT is the crappy wage increases in our contract.
This year the inflation rate is close to 6%.
Our wage increase was 0% because Mulgrew generously
extended the contract expiration for NY city.

Mulgrew achieved for you a stunning -6% pay cut.

Isn't that fantastic?
And next year there will be another pay cut as big and as the inflation rate.

Good luck paying your college loans. Good luck paying your bills.
You now need to find a second job so that you can afford to work for the DOE.

I hope you enjoy teaching.

Anonymous said...

Russia is reporting its largest daily number of new coronavirus infections, more than 70% up on the number a month ago as the country faces a sustained rise in cases.

The national coronavirus task force on Sunday said 34,303 new infections were recorded in the previous day, compared with the 20,174 reported Sept. 19.

The death toll of 999 was barely lower than the record 1,002 deaths reported on Saturday.

Erica said...

I sent the below email to the chancellor, uft, media, etc...

I will send a separate email with my class by class attendance from Skedula. It is horrifying.

You guys are all a laugh out loud riot.

After I send the email about the 1 month update, we get these dreary and embarrassing attendance numbers and see the DOE desperation.

Now, please tell me, with nobody attending, about the highest graduation rate ever.

Please tell me that we are the gold standard.

Please tell me how these are all good kids, kids who can't be bothered to attend school.

Tell me how cold calling every student in the school during my PD parent outreach time is a worthy assignment.

Do students not know school started? Do parents not know? Sounds like there should be calls to CPS because of neglect.

Since there seems to be some admission that there are massive no-shows...I'd like to ask...What is the date in which students can no longer pass the fall term if they no-show? Can they first show up on November 1? December 1? How about January 10?

Come on Chancellor, these are your babies, I'm sure you would never perpetuate a fraud, right?

https://nypost.com/2021/10/15/nyc-schools-chief-pleads-with-parents-to-get-kids-to-class/

The article above shows what an embarrassment you all are.

Funny, the most powerful union in the country is silent, again.

STUDENTS FIRST.

Anonymous said...

Friends,

GET THE WORD OUT about the lack of true democratic process in our union.

Tomorrow you could open people's eyes with something that's free and underrated in our culture right now.

Brother's and sisters, it called:

THE TRUTH.

Anonymous said...

MM must've also forgot about staff safety.

UK reported its biggest one-day Covid case increase in 3 months just as the new delta variant AY.4 with the S:Y145H mutation in the spike reaches 8% of UK sequenced cases. We need urgent research to figure out if this delta plus is more transmissible, has partial immune evasion?

nerd said...

The fact that months ago the city had the chutzpah to tell the union that members wouldn't receive their retro shows how weak our union is (and possibly how corrupt Mulgrew is) The city wouldn't tell the FDNY, NYPD , DSNY, that they wouldn't be getting retro pay guaranteed in a contract. The fact that the union had to go to court to fight for it and still had to negotiate a payment plan rather than instant retro screams weakness.
Diblasio must have something on Mulgrew and hopefully the walls are closing in on him.

Anonymous said...



How about this one to wrap our heads around tonight:

What if each of us asked the DA in your school or the BOROUGH REP to come to your school to host a QUESTION and ANSWER period on the proposed changes to the retiree healthcare.

No reason why they shouldn't, right? THAT'S IF, they view the role of being a union rep as EDUCATING members and INVOLVING them in the conversations that are most important to us and our families.

How about that one, friends? Let's see if they come through...INTERESTING to see if they will entertain questions from active members in the building.

Anonymous said...



"May the light of truth overcome all darkness. Victory to that light!"

Anonymous said...



What do you think, guys?

Do you think that they will have a Q & A on retiree changes in the buildings?

They should, right, but as the expression goes, sadly, .... DON'T HOLD YOUR BR______!

Anonymous said...

2:36, I'm sure you could've done much better, right James?

Anonymous said...

DRs hold meetings in schools and answer any and all questions. If you want the DR to come, ask your CL to arrange it. This is a new criticism. I've never heard of a shy DR.

Anonymous said...

James at 236. Excellent point.
3:36. Good for you. Great job.

Anonymous said...



We'll be sure to ask ANY and ALL questions!

But please, transparency over spin! We know, many DR's are quite good at PR...

James Eterno said...

4:29, Just about all of the school districts across the state negotiated better evaluation deals than the UFT. I certainly would not have settled months before the contract was over for a new one with an observation system with loopholes administrators can drive a truck through.

I am quite confident I could have done better, yes.

Anonymous said...

James, other districts aren't saddled with mayoral control which I would think is a disadvantage during negotiations. Also, didn't most members vote in favor of the contract?

Anonymous said...

Bc they trust,blindly, for Mulgrew to do better.

Do better Mulgrew! Your people want to believe you are passionately fighting for them.

Scratch the surface and don’t believe the propaganda we are being spoon fed by Unity bc it keeps them in power.

It is beneath the dignity of the power entrusted to you to carry on at DA assemblies like it is part of your reelection campaign.

James Eterno said...

5:29, You asked if I could do better. I answered yes I could have. I would have held out for what we want and not rushed to settle. No early contract unless we get basically all that we want.

These contracts are supported by a Unity Caucus propaganda machine that is amazingly skilled. The fact that they are ratified has very little to do with the merits of what is being sold.

Anonymous said...

Tomorrow is a new day.


Speak up brothers and sisters!

The power to determine the legitimacy of our rights belongs to you , me, and all union card holding members. It does not belong to the senior levels of the Unity Caucus.

Certainly not!



waitingforsupport said...

@439pm... I've experienced both strong/trustworthy and weak/untrustworthy CLs and DRs. Personally the "old school" circa late 1990s CLs/DRs were more reliable strong and trustworthy. Later in my career a few CLs and at least on DR were seemingly more interested in being on the side of administrators. Like everything else, if we want to get something done it's easier when we all work together.

Anonymous said...

"Like everything else, if we want to get something done it's easier when we all work together."

Yet it never happens. Nothing changes. But keep paying dues.

James Eterno said...

How do you know nothing changes? There is a new group of elected delegates and chapter leaders who understand the shortcomings of Unity leadership. Better days may soon be upon us.

Anonymous said...

How do I know? Because you've been saying the same thing since at least the 2005 contract.

James Eterno said...

You don't address 11:12 that there are new people who are not willing to accept being treated poorly. Add that to the veteran UFTers who are offering guidance and yes maybe this is something different as the pandemic has exposed the UFT-Unity failures for all to see.

Anonymous said...

Assuming that dislike of Mulgrew is as general as you believe, then victory depends on a viable alternative. Are you ready to endorse anyone? Or put out a couple of possible names? The sooner we hear some names, the better.

Anonymous said...

Ok, James, ill play the game.

Please give me specifics that will change and when.

Please tell me the results of the 2022 uft electon with percentages.

James Eterno said...

I will gladly get that information out to you, 10:02,when my chrystal ball comes back from the repair shop.

Anonymous said...

My Crystal Ball is working...

Unity 80%
Solidarity 15%
MORE 5%

Save this post.

James Eterno said...

You will be way, way off. I will be disappointed if it is a three way race.

Anonymous said...

7:53 is right. We need one viable candidate to oppose Unity/Mulgrew. Without your crystal ball, James, can you predict if we’ll get that? Are the other caucuses close to negotiating that? If they can’t unite, it’s another Unity landslide. If they unite and the candidate isn’t right, it’s another Unity landslide. You’re informed James. Do you see the election process shaping up in time to advocate for an alternative candidate to colleagues? Whether you can answer or not, if the answer turns out to be no, we are all nuts to continue forward without putting dues withdrawal on the table in a serious way.

James Eterno said...

You had me all interested until that last line, 12:42. I would listen to the withholding of dues argument if folks pooled the money and started some kind of alternative employee organization but that is never what is advocated. It is selfish, Koch brothers type garbage to weaken the union. I want a stronger union. Please don't respond as that argument ended here. You commented, I answered. We move on.

As for your other point, there is plenty going on behind the scenes. I am optimistic right now that a unified slate for 2022 is very possible. I hope you will join it and not threaten to take your dues and go home.

Anonymous said...

James has no crystal ball yet promisies change is coming...because things are changing..LOL. Ok.

And this is after the last contract got almost 90% and the last uft election...Mulgrew got almost 90%.

James Eterno said...

You need to make the change as a collective force, not me.

Anonymous said...

I’m all for a unified slate beating Mulgrew, James. Just not optimistic about it and looking for a plan B. I’ll respect your request. ‘Nuff said.

Anonymous said...

I’m pro-union, but the name of the game is working for a principal who is a good person. Period. UFT is great for a pension I’ll collect in the next decade and some medical coverage, but beyond that, the principal can make or break you.

As someone who works for a fair principal, I’ll do 4 in a row if coverages call for it or other stuff not in contract. Why? Bc the principal is normal.

waitingforsupport said...

Agree 8:57 pm. Thankfully there are still some fair ones in the DOE.

Anonymous said...

Yes, but where are the guard rails for the vengeful ones who target teachers?

Everybody know that your life can become A LIVING HELL if you get targeted, with or without the union’s help.

Anonymous said...

Yes, in my experience it's been the principal of the school that makes all the difference. You can have below average students in two different schools, but how the school is run makes all the difference.