The 2016 NYSUT Representative Assembly, April 8–9 in Rochester, celebrates the unity and solidarity of our statewide federation with the theme: New York State United!
The 44th annual RA marks 10 years since the convention was held in the Flower City — and 10 years since NYSUT and the former NEA/New York joined to become one union.
More than 2,000 delegates, elected by local unions, will deliberate on 35 resolutions and four resolutions reaffirming existing policy. Three proposed constitutional amendments also will be considered. Resolutions range from encouraging collaboration between K–12 and higher education locals and continuing advocacy against inappropriate testing, to calling for a repeal of the state's draconian receivership law and defending collective bargaining rights. Resolutions on health care and workplace safety include a call for establishing safe maximum temperatures in classrooms and mandating social workers in all public schools.
As of presstime, confirmed speakers include AFT President Randi Weingarten, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and state AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento.
Elections are also on the agenda. Delegates will elect one NEA State Director.
More than 300 NYSUT leaders are expected at the pre-RA Local and Retiree Council Presidents Conference, April 7–8. The agenda features a dialogue with the NYSUT officers; an overview of the NYSUT Women's Steering Committee's work thus far, along with what's to come; updates on the state budget and important changes to federal education policy; the implications of the Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association U.S. Supreme Court case and NYSUT's Pledge to Vote campaign.
Follow the action online at nysut.org/ra and use the hashtag #nysutra on social media!