WHEREAS, the UFT will celebrate its 63rd anniversary on March 16; and

WHEREAS, the United Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, was formed 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, we remember our founders who took major occupational risks to establish the UFT so that educators would have a common voice to advocate for quality public education; and

WHEREAS, the UFT brought dignity to all educators 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 is, today, a powerful advocate for public education, healthcare professionals, children with special needs, early childhood education, workers’ and civil rights, 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 thank those who preceded us and paved the way for us to celebrate our 63rd 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 will continue our founders’ work to preserve public education, protect workers’ rights and do our part in solidarity with our fellow workers to fight for a nation and world where we all can live and thrive in our workplaces and in our personal lives.