Rallying for Unity at the NYSUT RA

Citing the changing demographics in union membership, UUP easily convinced its NYSUT colleagues to throw their collective might behind a UUP-sponsored resolution that makes family-leave issues a key legislative priority for the 480,000-member statewide union.

At the same time, UUP has vowed to bring family leave to the bargaining table in upcoming contract talks with the state.

“Some 62 percent of our members have less than 10 years of service,” UUP President William Scheuerman told delegates to NYSUT’s 30th annual Representative Assembly (RA), held in late April at the New York Hilton in Manhattan. “We need to activate these folks by becoming more relevant to their needs. And one critical issue is clearly family leave.”

The resolution adopted by the RA calls for NYSUT to push for enactment of the legislative proposal “Families in the Workplace Act” — which Scheuerman described as the state’s version of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act — and to ensure that the provisions include benefits for employees of the state’s public higher education institutions. The resolution passed without opposition.

Scheuerman reiterated his commitment to family-leave issues during UUP’s 2002 Spring Delegate Assembly (see related story on page 6) in Albany. “NYSUT is firmly behind us,” Scheuerman said. “But it’s still going to be a challenge at the negotiations table.” The contract between UUP and the state expires July 1, 2003.

Meanwhile, UUP’s newly created Family Leave Committee is analyzing results of a statewide questionnaire on the use of and need for family leave. The committee is expected to prepare a position paper to guide UUP in establishing policies, as well as assisting the union’s soon-to-be-named Negotiations Team.

Be it resolved ...

RA delegates also passed a resolution reaffirming the statewide union’s commitment to academic freedom and free speech. The resolution, which was a joint effort by UUP and NYSUT’s other higher education locals, calls on NYSUT to “oppose any attempt to subject university activities to political or ideological screenings by groups within or from outside the university community.”

The third higher ed resolution given priority by the RA focused on equity for part-time and adjunct faculty. It calls on NYSUT to assist locals in securing “the same humane and dignified working conditions for adjunct/part-time faculty as for full-time faculty.” Atop the list of requests: equal pay for equal work; full medical, dental and retirement benefits; adequate office space; participation in campus governance; opportunities for professional development; and an institutional commitment to hire part-time faculty for full-time vacancies.

‘Rebuilding Through Unity’

The RA theme — “Rebuilding Through Unity” — was underscored by back-to-back rallies that drew thousands of unionists from around the state to the streets of Manhattan. Donning crimson hats, several dozen UUP delegates to the RA joined their NYSUT counterparts in support of the United Federation of Teachers and the United College Employees of the Fashion Institute of Technology, both of which are in protracted contract talks with the city and college, respectively.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” shouted UUP President William Scheuerman, who addressed the crowds at both rallies. “You’re backed by the 480,000 members of the New York State United Teachers,” added NYSUT President Thomas Hobart.

Elections, constitutional amendments

Part of NYSUT’s rebuilding included electing statewide officers and members of the board of directors, and adopting resolutions that direct the union’s priorities.

In addition to returning to office all six incumbent full-time NYSUT officers, RA delegates re-elected as directors UUP President Scheuerman, Treasurer Rowena Blackman-Stroud, UUP Executive Board member Patricia Bentley of Plattsburgh and Thomas Matthews of Geneseo. Delegates also OK’d a constitutional amendment that changes the term of office for directors and officers from two years to three years, effective Sept. 1.

A second amendment approved by delegates raises monthly dues for in-service members. Dues will increase by as little as 15 cents to a maximum $1.40 per member, depending on salary and NYSUT’s dues-payment schedule.

Delegates also gave the board the right to temporarily increase its size, by no more than two, in the event of a significant jump in membership, and then created a set of bylaws — or operational principles — for the union.

In recognition

• Former UUP President Nuala McGann Drescher of Buffalo State was among a dozen female unionists highlighted in a video tribute, “Not for Themselves Alone: A Salute to Pioneering Women.” Also, UUPer Fred Miller of Oneonta was recognized on his retirement as president of the Tri-County Central Labor Council, and Norma Klayman, a Buffalo State retiree, received one of nearly 40 Community Service Awards for 2002 given by NYSUT.
• Five UUP chapters were awarded for their sizeable donations to VOTE/COPE, the union’s voluntary political action fund. NYSTI received honors for contributing the equivalent of at least $25 per member, while Delhi, Farmingdale, Geneseo and Old Westbury were recognized for collecting contributions of at least $10 per member.

— Karen L. Mattison