NYSUT has welcomed thousands of new members into our union over the past two years. On Day 2 of the 2025 Representative Assembly in Rochester, some of the new locals organized in the last year got up to share their stories.
Trevor Francis, president of Mary Cariola United from the Mary Cariola Center, an 853 School in Rochester, talked about grassroots organizing in the face of union-busting tactics, saying, “Every step of the way, NYSUT had our back.” MCU is now negotiating their first contract after organizing in 2024.
Cecelia Gray of the Neil Hellman Staff Union of the Neil Hellman School in Albany, another 853 School, said, “We knew that if we wanted to create a safer and more equitable environment, we had to take action.” Since organizing in 2024, the NHSU has been working toward fair working and learning conditions for staff and students. “We are so grateful to be walking this path together,” said Gray.
The Cassadaga Guardians of the Hill formed in July 2024 at the Cassadaga Job Corp Center, a rural job school in Western New York, after having difficulty being able to get basic things done. “We did not have basic supplies,” said Jake Brock of GOTH. “At one point, we did not have toilet paper for students in the dorms.” Ninety-eight percent of eligible members voted to form the union, a strong showing of unity as the union is now negotiating their first contract.
Members of Nazareth United Professionals also spoke. The group, made up of over 140 professionals at Nazareth University, recently voted to unionize and are awaiting the results of that vote. They detailed the anti-union activity they have faced, including members of the organizing committee being disciplined or fired. One member said, “Nazareth University, stop the delays. Your employees have spoken and we want a union contract!”