Today's History Lesson
May 17, 2007: 12,000 family child care providers request UFT representation
Thirteen years ago, home-based child care providers marked a milestone in their campaign to join the UFT.
March 16, 1960: The UFT is founded
On March 16, 1960, members of the Teachers Guild voted to merge with the High School Teachers Association to form the United Federation of Teachers.
Jan. 18, 2012: The fight to save closing schools
The UFT went toe-to-toe with Mayor Mike Bloomberg in 2012 to save the jobs of its members in struggling schools. In a clear maneuver to get around the contract, the mayor vowed to “close” 33 low-performing schools, excess all the staff and make them reapply for their positions.
Dec. 8, 2009: UFT Launches Member Assistance Program
The UFT’s Member Assistance Program was launched on Dec. 8, 2009.
Nov. 7, 1960: Teachers strike
The newly formed United Federation of Teachers was demanding collective bargaining rights and Superintendent of Schools John Theobald’s response was that he did not bargain with his own family.
Aug. 31, 2014: Nearly 4,000 jobs saved
When nearly 4,000 paraprofessionals were threatened with termination in the spring of 2009 for failing to meet certification requirements, the UFT went into high gear to save their jobs. The union held informational meetings in 940 schools and in each borough to help paraprofessionals understand what documentation or certification requirements they were missing and what they had to do.