WHEREAS, the UFT will celebrate its 60th anniversary on March 16; and

WHEREAS, the United Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, was born in 1960, when members of the Teachers’ Guild, AFL-CIO, voted to merge with a group of high school teachers known as The Committee for Action Through Unity; and

WHEREAS, on this 60th anniversary, we remember with respect and admiration our founders, who took massive personal and occupational risks to establish the UFT so that educators, parents and children would have one common voice to advocate for quality public education; and

WHEREAS, the UFT brought dignity to teaching and education professions in New York City and the lives of its members, and has been a model for educators throughout the country who aim to be treated professionally; and

WHEREAS, the UFT has grown in numbers, influence and the professions it represents and is, today, a powerful advocate for public education, children with special needs, early childhood education, workers’ and civil rights, nursing practices, occupational and environmental safety, judicial proceedings and mental health among many others, which benefit society and contribute to a healthy democracy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that we, the current members of the UFT, heartily thank those who preceded us and whose efforts allow us today to proudly celebrate our 60th anniversary, knowing that the UFT has made unique and important contributions to public education, to the labor movement and to millions of people’s lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we recognize that even as we celebrate this milestone in our history, we face a time of grave challenges from those who would divide us in hate and impoverish the many to give luxury to the few; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we vow to continue our work to preserve public education, protect workers’ rights and to do our part in solidarity with our fellow workers to strive for a world where all of us share justly in the fruits of our labor, each provided with the means to live and thrive; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the members of the UFT are the foundation of its strength, whether they be in schools, hospitals, early childhood education centers or wherever our members work; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we will keep working together toward the pursuit of our goals in these worthy professions and to help each other create a productive, dignified work environment, one dedicated to assisting our co-workers as well as the students, patients and clients we work with also achieve their hopes and dreams.