LIVE BLOGGING FROM MARCH DA

Abridged as I can't monitor that closely on phone.

President's Report:

Michael Mulgrew reported on:

Albany budget- Looks good for funding but there are still politics involved before April 1 deadline.

We want tier VI reform- Teachers should not have to work 52 years.

Mayoral control- Law up in June but we want checks and balances. Mayor should be able to convince one of the PEP people he didn't appoint or it probably isn't a good idea. Don't want to go back.

COVID-19. We don't know how the BA2 variant will play out. We should know by spring break. You still get PPE and cleaning and can wear masks. Take the rapid COVID tests.

City schools restructuring:

Superintendents reempowered like before  Bloomberg.

Parliamentary Inquiry. Mulgrew didn't take it. 

People objected. Mulgrew just went on and said adcom and exec board made the agenda. Says no politics at DA. (What did he say? No politics at a legislative body.)

Calendar tight with holidays.

Medicare Advantage Plus.-Judge said it could go forward (if they offer no other plan). We convinced mayor to hold off until legal questions are resolved.We have to protect retirees and in-service healthcare.

 Costs rising.

400 person negotiating committee meeting Friday. Thanks people for joining.

Chapter Leader hub information from someone I don't know.

(Meeting started at around 4:20. Report still going with CL Hub info at 5:20.) 

Parliamentary Inquiry:

When there is debate, why doesn't he call on for and against?

Mulgrew says he calls for and against. We can supercede Robert's Rules. Mulgrew says he does work of union.

Staff Director's Report

Leroy Barr gives a bunch of dates including the election and the anniversary of the UFT.

Question period:

Question about DOE help desk.

Answer: Call center has to work with them. Optical benefits the biggest concern so we upped that part

Question on school surveys.

Answer: Churn should be most important concern.

Question

Mulgrew asks to keep politics out of it. 

Question on alternative calendars and virtual learning.

Answer: Need to tell parents on alternative calendars. Some kids thrive in virtual learning. We need to have system in place as we are not tech experts.

Question: Will we continue to use election buddy

Answer: Yes

Negative CAR what happens to vacation days?

Answer: We are back in arbitration.

Question:Paras career ladder

Answer: Some paras are already qualified teachers.

Question: OTPTs owed pay for work done.

Answer: Filing Union Initiated Grievance.

New motion period:

Diwali holiday for this month's agenda.

580 yes 164 no on phone, it carries in person too.

For next month on COVID money.

Peter Lamphere speaks against but instead tries to extend motion period.

Frustrated opposition people demand democracy while Mulgrew ends the meeting.

(Mulgrew ends meeting. Says room has to be cleared. Unity has to tell their people how to vote at the NYSUT RA)

It gets worse and worse month by month.