In typically generous NYSUT fashion, and in the spirit of solidarity invoked by Mineworkers President Cecil Roberts, a special order of business was presented by Karen Magee, president of the Harrison Association of Teachers, to raise money to help the mineworkers' union and the families of the 29 miners killed in West Virginia.
"Over 400 violations were cited at that mine, and there is no reason for any type of disaster to take place," Magee said. "Dig as deep as you can so we can send President Roberts home with more money for families who lost loved ones."
After delegates approved the measure, more than $14,000 was raised on the spot in contributions from the delegates touched by Roberts' message.
In addition, NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi said the union's Disaster Relief Fund would boost its donation of $10,000 to make the total NYSUT contribution $25,000.