Several NYSUT locals have recently reached contract settlements or made organizing gains. They include:
Mohawk Valley CC
Nearly 400 adjunct faculty and part-time professional employees at Mohawk Valley Community College are seeking to affiliate with NYSUT after an overwhelming majority of those workers returned union cards in favor of organizing. As of press time, talks with administration were ongoing to determine what titles would be included in the 391-member Adjunct and Professional Part-Time Association. The fledgling unit's bid for certification also was being reviewed by the state Public Employment Relations Board.
Through organizing, the adjuncts and professional part-time employees are seeking to make their voice heard on numerous issues, including: job security, opportunities for professional development and advancement, wages, and having the opportunity to teach additional courses and work more hours, if they choose. The Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association, which represents more than 200 full-time faculty at the school, is already affiliated with NYSUT.
Ellenville locals
Teachers, teaching assistants and school-related professionals, who had been without a contract since 2009, have reached agreement on a new deal that will extend into 2016.
Members of the Ellenville Teachers and Teaching Assistants and Ellenville School-Related Professionals will receive raises throughout the life of the contract. The agreement increases starting and base salaries, and the district will increase its contributions to the employees' Benefit Trust. Members will pay more for health coverage.
Just Kids
Teaching assistants and teacher aides at Just Kids, a private employer and one of the state's largest early childhood education providers, recently ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The 74-member unit at Just Kids in Lindenhurst voted to join NYSUT by a 3-to-1 ratio in April 2010. The overwhelming vote came despite efforts by the employer to dissuade workers from organizing — even going so far as meeting with each employee to tell them why they should vote against unionizing.
Bolton TA
The 38-member Bolton TA settled a new five-year contract with its school district. The new deal, which expires June 30, 2017, will increase teacher salaries annually. Members will pay more toward their health coverage.
In solidarity
NYSUT locals across the state, including members of the Professional Staff Congress, above, showed their support for the Chicago Teachers Union during its seven-day strike.
For more photos of NYSUT members in solidarity with CTU, visit www.nysut.org.