An Empty Win: How the UFT's Holiday 'Victory' Fails NYC Teachers and Families

In response to the press release by NYC Mayor Eric Adams regarding the new December 23 holiday for NYC public schools, it’s hard not to question the judgment — and perhaps even the priorities — of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) leadership. The announcement, which touts an "extra day with family," seems like an appealing gesture on the surface, but when examined more closely, it reveals an unsettling level of superficial negotiation by the union. The real problem lies in how this decision exposes both the union’s inability to secure meaningful concessions and a willingness to bolster the image of an embattled mayor rather than hold firm on issues that impact teachers daily.

One key concern is what, if anything, had to be traded to secure this day. In negotiations, unions seldom receive benefits without conceding something in return — especially when they lack leverage. The UFT has chosen not to address what was given up in this case, likely because they prefer not to draw attention to the fact that substantial trade-offs may have occurred behind closed doors. Without any transparency from the union on these details, it’s fair to question whether the union leadership’s priorities are misplaced. Did the union give up valuable bargaining power or specific provisions from ongoing negotiations to secure a token gesture that benefits the mayor’s image far more than it does UFT members?

Furthermore, one could argue that this decision plays directly into the political theater Mayor Adams is staging. As he faces legal issues and criticism on multiple fronts, this holiday adjustment provides him with a convenient way to curry public favor without addressing any underlying issues within the NYC school system. By standing beside him, UFT President Michael Mulgrew is inadvertently lending credibility to Adams at a time when union leaders should be holding the administration accountable for its actions. This does nothing for the long-term gains for teachers or students; it only serves to make a compromised mayor appear proactive and responsive.

While an additional day off sounds like a win for both teachers and students, it’s a hollow one. This minor adjustment fails to address the core issues teachers continue to face, from class sizes and support staff shortages to classroom resources and pay equity. The UFT could have used this opportunity to demand tangible improvements for its members — changes that would make a lasting impact on the day-to-day lives of educators and students alike. Instead, the focus on "family time" appears to be little more than a smokescreen for a weak negotiation strategy.

Ultimately, this decision may come back to haunt the union in the long run. Teachers and union members rely on strong, assertive leadership to secure real benefits and protections. When union leadership fails to negotiate from a position of strength and instead collaborates on photo-ops, it sends a message of weakness. If the union cannot stand firm now, what faith should members have that it will stand strong in future battles? This "extra day off" has revealed just how much is missing from the UFT’s priorities — and just how little it has fought for what truly matters to its members.