Some downward trends are good to see. From the start of this school year, when members of 438 NYSUT locals were working under expired contracts, collective bargaining agreements in recent months have whittled that number down to 365.

However, that still totals nearly 108,000 members in locals ranging from United University Professions at State University of New York campuses to several small locals representing School-Related Professionals and health care members.

Things were looking so dim for the Mount Pleasant Teachers Association that members and surrounding Westchester County locals held a candlelight vigil. In the foreground, from left, are Chuck Zeuren, a member of the Mount Pleasant TA; Jeff Yonkers, Mount Vernon FT president and a NYSUT Board member; Joe McLaughlin, Harrison AT and NYSUT Board member; Pat Puleo, Yonkers FT president and NYSUT Board member; John Schlechty, NYSUT labor relations specialist; Ann Herz, Mount Pleasant TA president; and Alan Lubin, NYSUT executive vice president.

Some of the 149 members of the Southwestern Teachers Association picket this fall to inform Chautauqua County residents of their plight. The local, led by Mary Jane Price and Sandra Munsee, is facing a list of concessions the district wants on health insurance -- without gains in salary.