Out of Touch and Out of Time: Why the UFT’s War on Congestion Pricing Fails NYC Teachers and Students

In a misguided and poorly executed attempt to stall New York City's Congestion Pricing plan, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and its president, Michael Mulgrew, have not only acted against the interests of their members but have also launched a frivolous federal lawsuit, ignored the democratic voice of the union, and undermined critical environmental and public health goals. Congestion Pricing is essential for a healthier, more sustainable New York City, and by opposing it, the UFT has aligned itself with reactionary voices that put political expedience over public welfare.

The federal lawsuit filed by the UFT was dismissed almost immediately, illustrating its lack of legal merit and foresight. Mulgrew’s unilateral decision to start this lawsuit without consulting the broader membership is emblematic of an increasingly undemocratic approach to leadership within the UFT. Members deserve transparency and representation, especially in decisions that implicate public policy and use union resources. This legal misadventure was not just a waste of union dues; it was a direct affront to the values of collective decision-making.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s delay in implementing Congestion Pricing—backed by Mulgrew and the UFT—appears to be a concession to appease conservative suburban voters. This political move has come at a staggering cost to the city. Every day that Congestion Pricing is delayed means further deterioration of our public transit system, additional air pollution, and increased vehicular congestion. Our students, teachers, and communities are paying the price with their health, as higher traffic levels exacerbate air pollution, impacting lung health and making the city less livable for all New Yorkers.

Congestion Pricing, if implemented, would provide funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which is in desperate need of revenue for repairs, upgrades, and expansions. A stronger public transit system benefits everyone, including teachers who rely on reliable transportation to get to their schools, parents who rely on safe and dependable routes to work, and students who deserve a healthier environment.

The UFT’s opposition to Congestion Pricing is ostensibly based on the notion that some teachers need to drive into the Central Business District (CBD) to get to work. However, the reality is that only a small fraction of teachers actually rely on personal vehicles to commute into the CBD. Teachers who live in boroughs outside of Manhattan already know that parking outside of the CBD and completing their commute by subway or bus is a viable and affordable option. Not only would this reduce their transportation costs, but it would also align with the city’s broader environmental goals.

Mulgrew’s actions reveal a profound disconnect between UFT leadership and its rank-and-file members. Many educators support environmentally responsible policies and understand that a well-funded public transit system directly impacts their students’ quality of life. By spending union resources to fight against Congestion Pricing, Mulgrew has signaled that he prioritizes narrow interests over the union’s commitment to sustainability and public health.

Moreover, Congestion Pricing has widespread public support and has been recognized as an essential measure to alleviate traffic and pollution in New York City. Teachers, who live in neighborhoods directly impacted by vehicle emissions, should be champions for policies that improve air quality and promote sustainable transportation solutions. Mulgrew’s opposition to this essential policy runs contrary to the very ideals of social and environmental justice that the UFT should be advancing.

It’s time for the UFT to realign its leadership with the values and priorities of its members. New York City’s educators should be among the strongest advocates for a city that values clean air, sustainable transportation, and equitable public services. If the UFT leadership is out of step with these principles, it’s time for a serious conversation about the future direction of the union. Teachers deserve better than to see their union dues wasted on lawsuits that prioritize political posturing over real, positive change.

As union members, as teachers, and as New Yorkers, we should demand that Michael Mulgrew and the UFT leadership listen to the voices of their rank-and-file members, reconsider their opposition to Congestion Pricing, and join the fight for a greener, more sustainable New York City. The health of our students, the strength of our public transit, and the integrity of our union depend on it.