Upcoming UFT Election is Discussed at ICE Meeting

 Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 - Merry Xmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Submitted by Norm Scott

ICE had an excellent discussion on the UFT election Sunday night with a mix of retirees and working educators on zoom. Two prominent ABC activists were invited to participate. Questions were raised early on by people who had not been fully informed on all the election permutations about the advisability of running two slates. The history of ABC as a group that began meeting last April and through October included all the caucuses until they dropped out, was reviewed and enlightening. 

It was great to see ICE 2004 presidential candidate Marilyn Beckford zooming in with some very hard questions related to the multiple slate issue but by the end she made a rousing  comment on the exciting possibilities of ABC. Her points were consistently on target and pertinent as she pushed to get answers to what to many is a confusing situation.

Even Mike Schirtzer chimed in from Ecuador.

A possible path to victory for ABC in a 3-way race with Unity and the caucus coalition was laid out but the most important point was made by Ira Goldfine, a longtime pal and activist going back to 1971, where he said the election outcome was not the most important thing, but the unique opportunity to cause the first major break in Unity Caucus in 60 years that would have long-lasting effects even if Unity won. 

And ABC was uniquely in the position to exploit that Unity break in a judicious campaign, which the Caucus coalitions would not be capable of doing for reasons I explained in a recent post (UFT Elections: The Two Slate Solution).

I also posed a sort of solution to the two-slate situation: Run two slates but with many of the same candidates who would get the sum total of votes from both slates. Run one presidential candidate, 6 adcom and just enough candidates to win the exec bd.  Now this is not the position of ABC but my own concoction and there is time to work something out. Someone pointed out that the very existence of two slates even with common candidates would be confusing and lead to some people not voting, a serious point, but there are also advantages to having each group run its own version of a campaign without having to get permission of the other group and if ABC can penetrate deeper into the schools, while the caucus coalition pulls on its base and whatever the retiree vote brings in, plus the key point of Unity defections, this may be a winning combo.

I floated this idea to someone in MORE the other day and he said a mixed election where Unity would still have a big share could be a disaster. I disagreed, saying if we believe in proportional representation, having all caucuses and independents including Unity would invigorate the union. My idea seems to be dying on the vine for both groups. Well, I tried.

A reso was floated for ICE to endorse the ABC slate and while the sentiment was YES, ICE will continue to discuss the issue into the New Year. It was pointed out that ICE was never considered to be a serious enough group to be invited to join the 3 major caucuses, while ICE played a significant role with UFC 3 years ago.

Here is a proposed reso that includes a call for all caucuses and independents to join the ABC slate.

ICE UFT Endorses ABC - A Better Contract Slate

The Independent Community of Educators (ICE UFT), known for championing member-driven initiatives and transparent, democratic practices, is proud to endorse ABC - A Better Contract.

Thousands of United Federation of Teachers (UFT) members, many engaging with their union for the first time, are stepping up—sharing surveys, signing petitions, and attending open Member Assemblies. These educators, like you, are ready to lead and deliver the changes that UFT members want and need.

ABC represents a team of educators committed to:
    •    Cost-of-living raises to keep up with inflation and protect member earnings,
    •    Fixing Tier 6 so all members can retire with dignity,
    •    Fighting for Para pay parity to honor the essential work of our paraprofessionals,
    •    Securing quality healthcare benefits without sacrificing member wages,
    •    Improving working conditions for every educator,
    •    Championing professional autonomy, and
    •    Defending public education against privatization and attacks on unions.

This slate includes first-time candidates and long-time chapter leaders—both energized and experienced—ready to lead the union on day one and deliver the meaningful change educators deserve.

ABC began with the ambition to bring all caucuses together and ensure there was a concerted effort to reach members that have never voted before. They did not want this attempt to win leadership of the UFT to be the typical closed door of negotiation with each faction taking time from campaigning and bargaining over how many seats with a focus  on their own caucus branding.

We believe that together, we can build a stronger, fairer union that puts members first. The time for real progress is now.

We invite UFT members to stand with ABC and be part of this push for progress. Learn more at abettercontract.org and follow them on social media for updates.

In solidarity,
ICE UFT

 

The UFT's Failure to Value Teachers' Time: A Costly Oversight

The concept of overtime pay, including the standard time-and-a-half rate, has its roots in the early 20th century labor movement. Workers' advocates fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and limitations on excessive work hours. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, a landmark piece of federal legislation, established the 40-hour workweek and mandated overtime pay for most workers.

Our Union has a responsibility to advocate for its members and ensure fair compensation. Yet, the union's current stance on overtime pay for teachers is a glaring oversight that undervalues the countless hours educators dedicate to their craft.

Principals often wield unchecked discretion when assigning overtime, leading to a system rife with favoritism and inequity. Teachers who are willing to go the extra mile, regardless of their workload or personal commitments, are frequently exploited. This lack of standardized overtime compensation not only disincentivizes hard work but also fosters resentment and demoralization among educators.

The financial implications of this systemic undervaluation are staggering. Let's break down the numbers:

Assuming an average of 1 hour of overtime per day per teacher:

• Average hourly wage for an 8-year teacher with a Master's: $70
• Daily overtime earnings at the standard rate: $57.27/hour * 1 hour = $57.27
• Daily overtime earnings at time-and-a-half: $70/hour * 1.5 * 1 hour = $105

Daily loss per teacher: $105 - $57.27 = $47.74

Annual loss for 80,000 teachers: $47.74/day * 180 days/year * 80,000 teachers = $687,456,000

Coverage Pay:

• Current coverage pay rate: $48.14 for 40 minutes (or 0.67 hours)
• Hourly wage for an 8-year teacher with a Master's: $70
• Earnings at the standard rate for 40 minutes: $70/hour * 0.67 hours = $46.90
• Earnings at time-and-a-half for 40 minutes: $70/hour * 1.5 * 0.67 hours = $70.35

Loss per coverage assignment: $70.35 - $46.90 = $23.45

Just compensating teachers for the 2 “free” coverages we are required to do, by contract, calculates to a loss of $46.90 each year or, for 80,000 teachers, $3,752,000. And it is rare to find a teacher who hasn’t done more than their 2 free coverages. (Why are the first 2 coverages uncompensated, anyway?)

These figures represent a significant loss for New York City teachers. By not fighting for time-and-a-half pay, the UFT is essentially allowing educators to be undercompensated for their extra work.

The UFT must take decisive action to address this issue. By negotiating a fair overtime policy, the union can ensure that teachers are compensated appropriately for their extra efforts. A standardized system, with clear guidelines and oversight, would prevent arbitrary decisions by principals and promote a more equitable distribution of overtime work.

It is time for the UFT to prioritize the well-being of its members and fight for the compensation they deserve. By valuing teachers' time and advocating for fair overtime pay, the union can help restore morale, improve retention, and ultimately enhance the quality of education for all students.

We Must Join Forces in the 2025 UFT Elections

The Independent Community of Educators (ICE-UFT) is a longstanding opposition caucus within the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), founded in 2003 with the aim of promoting democratic reform and increased member engagement in union decision-making. ICE-UFT has been a consistent advocate for transparency, smaller class sizes embedded in the contract, better working conditions, and opposing backroom deals that compromise members’ interests. Over the years, ICE-UFT has collaborated with other reform caucuses in efforts to challenge the entrenched leadership of the Unity Caucus, which has dominated UFT politics for over six decades .

Today, ICE-UFT is calling on all members and non-members of caucuses to unite behind an independent slate for the upcoming union elections. The goal is to form a coalition capable of defeating Unity Caucus and its president, Michael Mulgrew, who has faced criticism for undemocratic practices and policies that fail to prioritize member concerns. Recent examples include the mishandling of school safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and the privatization of retiree healthcare .

 

In this critical moment, ICE-UFT emphasizes that only through collaboration with other caucuses, independent activists, and even current and former Unity members can the union achieve democratic reform and leadership that truly represents its membership. This is a call to action for a union that listens, empowers, and mobilizes its members for meaningful change. For more details about ICE-UFT and its efforts, you can explore our blog .

Our Union stands at a crossroads, and the choices we make in this spring's union elections will determine the future of our profession, our schools, and the working conditions that define our daily lives. For decades, Unity Caucus has dominated UFT leadership, but their tenure has been marked by a steady erosion of member rights, union democracy, and the respect that educators deserve. This is not a time for division—it is a time for action. To secure meaningful change, all opposition caucuses must unite around a single slate of candidates who will champion the core issues that matter most to our members.

 

To build a coalition that resonates with all members, we must focus on the universal concerns that impact every UFT member—wages, hours, and working conditions. These bread-and- butter union issues are the foundation of our shared struggle and the key to mobilizing a broad base of support.

 

Unity Caucus has presided over policies that have harmed our members, weakened our union, and undermined the professionalism of teaching in New York City. Their record speaks for itself:

 

•  Loss of Medical Benefits: Unity leadership has allowed the erosion of healthcare benefits, a cornerstone of union membership.

•  Wages That Don’t Keep Up with Inflation: While the cost of living soars, our raises fail to reflect the economic realities educators face.

•  Attacks on Pensions and TDA Benefits: Unity has supported policies that jeopardize our financial security in retirement.

•  Failure to Protect Members: Targeted educators are left vulnerable, with little support against abusive principals.

•  Erosion of the Grievance Process: A weak grievance procedure leaves members without a meaningful recourse for workplace injustices.

•  Neglecting Member Organizing: Unity has failed to foster grassroots organizing at the school level, the lifeblood of a strong union.

•  Wasting Dues on High Salaries: Union officials enjoy inflated paychecks while rank- and-file members are left behind.

•  Refusal to Bargain for Better Pay: Time-and-a-half for overtime is a basic labor standard—yet Unity settles for inadequate per-session rates.

•  Allowing Micromanagement: Teachers are treated as automatons, stripped of autonomy and creativity in their classrooms.

 

The opposition must stand together on a platform that prioritizes:

•  Restoring Union Democracy: Empower members with a transparent and participatory decision-making process.

•  Advocating for Competitive Compensation: Fight for wage increases that reflect inflation and the critical work we do.

•  Protecting Benefits: Safeguard healthcare, pensions, and retirement accounts from further erosion.

•  Strengthening Grievance Protections: Establish a robust grievance process that holds administrators accountable.

•  Organizing at the School Level: Equip chapter leaders and members with the tools they need to build solidarity in every school.

•  Demanding Professional Respect: End the micromanagement and restore teacher autonomy in the classroom.

 

To every opposition caucus within the UFT, we urge you: set aside differences and unite behind a single slate of candidates. Let’s focus on the issues that bind us together—our shared commitment to better wages, hours, and working conditions for all educators. By doing so, we can offer UFT members a clear and compelling alternative to the status quo.

 

To our fellow educators, the time has come to stand up for our profession and our future. Join us in supporting a unified opposition slate this spring. Together, we can reclaim our union, restore our dignity, and build a brighter future for educators, students, and public education in New York City.

 

Let’s make 2025 the year of transformation. Unity’s time is up—our time is now!