Delegates set to converge on nation's capital for RA 2007
NYSUT's 35th annual Representative Assembly takes place April 26-28 in Washington, D.C.
- Official Site: Representative Assembly 2007
What happens in our nation's capital - from reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act to policy decisions to strip collective bargaining rights from thousands of nurses and other employees deemed supervisors - affects us all.
That's why NYSUT is bringing its first unified convention - and thousands of voting union members - to Washington, D.C.
A delegation over 3,000 strong will converge on the nation's capital April 26-28 for NYSUT's 35th annual Representative Assembly.
The convention, themed "We Are NYSUT," is the first since NYSUT and the National Education Association of New York signed a unification agreement last year.
"We speak with one powerful voice promoting schools, higher education and health care institutions in New York," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi.
Big shots
An impressive list of speakers will address the convention, including U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton; Ed McElroy, president of the American Federation of Teachers; Lily Eskelsen, secretary-treasurer of the National Education Association; Gov. Spitzer; and state Education Commissioner Richard Mills.
Delegates, who are elected by each local, will consider 61 resolutions charting the union's course for the next year, as well as reaffirming 20 resolutions approved in the past.
Topics range from opposing the privatization of SUNY hospitals to improving safe schools legislation and school building conditions. Among many social justice issues is a resolution supporting legislation to stop human trafficking.
With the union's policy-making convention set on a national stage, union leaders will focus on tackling tough federal issues. Key is more federal support for education.
President Bush's proposed budget continues to fall short of fairly funding NCLB and does not include enough support for professional development, said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira.
Union leaders are seeking an increased federal commitment for school construction and modernization and to reduce class sizes.
NYSUT is also advocating policies to reverse the controversial Kentucky River decision by the National Labor Relations Board, including passage of the RESPECT Act - Re-empowerment of Skilled and Professional Employees and Construction Tradeworkers.
Delegates will consider a constitutional amendment that would raise dues $10 in each of the next two years in accordance with the unification agreement. NYSUT Board members will be elected for Election Districts A, B, C and D, which are made up of former NEA/NY local unions.
NYSUT will also present its most prestigious annual awards.
- Clarisse Butler Banks
New for RA 2007: Leader Access
Delegates and alternates may now login to Leader Access, NYSUT's new, password-protected Web site for union leaders, to access the online version of the RA Reporter Preview.
A separate packet was mailed to delegates and alternates last month with an introductory brochure and clear, simple instructions on how to set up a password-protected log-on.
The Leader Access area of NYSUT.org provides the latest news from your statewide union, toolkits to help you do your union work - plus exclusive updates, materials and resources for RA 2007.
New for RA 2007: Leader Access
Delegates and alternates may now login to Leader Access, NYSUT's new, password-protected Web site for union leaders, to access the online version of the RA Reporter Preview.
A separate packet was mailed to delegates and alternates last month with an introductory brochure and clear, simple instructions on how to set up a password-protected log-on.
The Leader Access area of NYSUT.org provides the latest news from your statewide union, toolkits to help you do your union work - plus exclusive updates, materials and resources for RA 2007.