WHEREAS, the UFT celebrated its 58th 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 58th anniversary, we remember with respect and admiration our founders who were inspired to build one unified organization of teachers in New York City and who worked fearlessly and diligently to achieve that goal; 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 58th anniversary, knowing that the UFT has made unique and important contributions to public education, to unionism and to millions of people’s lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we vow to continue our work to preserve public education as well as protect workers’ rights, particularly in this difficult environment when both are under serious attacks, and achieve social justice whether it 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.