UUP-to-date

Staff updates: UUP makes changes in benefits, research

Two Member Benefits and Services staff members were promoted and two Benefit Trust Fund (BTF) representatives were hired by UUP.

Susan Tocco was named benefits specialist and Candace Keyoskey was named membership specialist following the resignation of UUP Associate Director of Member Benefits and Services Liz Kahnle, who took a job with NYSUT.

Mary Ellen Cafaro and Karen Dombrowski were hired as BTF representatives to fill the vacancies left by Tocco and Jan Peters, who also took a position with NYSUT.

Tocco had been with the BTF since 1995 and managed the union’s scholarship program. Keyoskey, who served as an administrative assistant, was promoted to meet the growing chapter demand for increased membership data.

Meanwhile, staffer Robert Trimarchi has moved from UUP technology administrator to a new position as research and legislation technology associate.

In memoriam: Former NY Teacher city editor dies

Antonio Ramirez, a longtime managing editor of the city edition of NYSUT’s member publication New York Teacher, died in March following complications relating to a long struggle with diabetes.

Ramirez headed up the union’s early newspaper known at the time as the UFT Bulletin, but is most fondly remembered for his leadership role in promoting the cause of Amnesty International with his column, “Prisoner of Conscience.”

He was also active in the Metro Press Labor Association and was editor of the New York State Labor History Association newsletter.

To the editor: Member appreciates strength in numbers

When I first read (President Scheuerman’s) memo yesterday and this press release (on UUP’s response to the governor’s devastating budget proposal) today, my first reaction was fear. But my second reaction — which came quite quickly — was relief that I am not alone, but have a big family of brothers and sisters with me — 28,000 of them.

In the past, as a faculty member on nonunion campuses, I faced injustice alone and without the access to courts or power. I am glad this time is different.

Viva solidarity!

— Susan Ross, Potsdam