by Tom Glenn

While I am hopeful the year has been off to smooth start for all of you, the same cannot be said for some of our neighboring brothers and sisters in labor. We all begin the year with a bit of apprehension and perhaps even some trepidation. However, for the PSA (NYSUT's Labor Relations Specialists), the LIU Faculty Federation, and members of the Westbury Teachers Association, that sentiment was magnified by the reality of an uncertain world.

As you know by now, the PSA agreed to ratify the terms of a new contract at the eleventh hour and as such, continued their work seamlessly. Set to expire on August 31st of this year, members of the PSA ratified the new contract, the terms of which will run through August 31, 2019. Letters poured in from concerned NYSUT members around the state asking for a quick resolution to the matter, helping to ensure fair treatment in the negotiations process

In an unprecedented move, the administration of LIU Brooklyn locked out NYSUT brothers and sisters of the Long Island University Faculty Federation. The move came just prior to the start of classes after the LIUFF rejected a contract proposal from LIU that would have slashed salaries for members. Health insurance was immediately cut off and the message was clear that LIU planned to replace the faculty members. If not for the efforts of the students, the AFT, and hundreds of supporters from the labor movement, the lockout may still be going on today. However, the strength of many overcame the odds and on September 14th, 2016 an agreement was reached to extend the current contract through May of 2017, giving those unionists the time and opportunity to bargain for fair conditions.

Finally, and perhaps most troublesome is the issue quietly unfolding in a neighboring district. Last spring, the Westbury School District welcomed three new members to its board of education. Of seven board members, six of them do not have children who attend Westbury schools. While on the surface this may seem rather innocuous, rest assured that it is troublesome for several reasons. The most onerous piece to this perhaps, is that several of these new board members  'do not believe in tenure' . Take pause and digest that statement for a moment. Two probationary teachers,  despite receiving stellar ratings based on test scores and observations and who are highly regarded by their principals and Superintendent  were given the opportunity to enter into a  Juul agreement . In a Juul agreement, the teachers agree to 'prove' themselves worthy of tenure with an extension of one year. Considering these teachers have already done so, coupled with the fact that a majority of the board doesn't like/believe in the tenure process, another year will matter not for them or any future probationary teachers.

These teachers will be denied tenure at the October 13th Planning Meeting which will be held at the Westbury High School, 1 Post Rd, Old Westbury. 

I am in need of help from fellow HCT union brothers and sisters. Supporters will picket outside the High School starting at 6:00pm and move into the HS at 7:30 to fill the auditorium. This is the same location that NYSUT held the Public forum to speak out for public education.

If you would like to arrange a carpool to this important event, email the HCT office.

The Wendy's fast food chain is the last holdout in joining the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW's) Fair Food Project . Participating fast food retailers agree to purchase food exclusively from suppliers who meet a worker-designed Code of Conduct , which includes a zero-tolerance policy for slavery and sexual harassment. Retailers also agree to pay a "penny-per-pound" premium which is passed down through the supply chain and paid out directly to the workers. Visit the Boycott Wendys website for more information about the initiative or to donate. Boycotting Wendy's, making a donation, or both, are small but impactful ways to help take a stand for human rights.

Phone Banking for NYS Senate & Assembly Elections

Through a long and arduous process, NYSUT has identified those candidates who align themselves with the needs of public education and who have shown strong support of our causes over the years. NYSUT is looking for individuals who want to help  Get Out The Vote  this year for our candidates by phone banking at the NYSUT Nassau Regional Office.

Phone banking will take place on  October 5, 6, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27 from 3 to 7 P.M.  at the NYSUT Regional Office located at 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 214, Woodbury.