WHEREAS, on Nov. 7, 2017, voters will cast their ballots to determine whether New York State should hold a convention to redraft the state’s constitution; and

WHEREAS, a constitutional convention opens up the state’s highest law to extensive modifications up to and including a complete rewrite, placing many of New York State’s freedoms and protections at risk of alteration or elimination; and

WHEREAS, among the rights threatened are the guarantee of a free public education, the prohibition on reducing public employee pensions, the prohibition against aid to non-public schools, Workers’ Compensation, the right to unionize and bargain collectively and state social welfare requirements; and

WHEREAS, according to Article 5, §7 of the state constitution, public employee pensions cannot be “diminished or impaired,” and endangering public employee pensions violates the state’s solemn obligation to public-sector workers; and

WHEREAS, the Tax-Deferred Annuity Program guarantees UFT members a fixed rate of return — a critical fourth pillar of retirement security for UFT members, in addition to Social Security, a defined-benefit pension and health insurance — and this security would be threatened if a constitutional convention placed the state’s duty to public-sector workers at risk; and

WHEREAS, the constitutional convention referendum does not arise from public need or demand but merely appears on the ballot every 20 years as required by law; and

WHEREAS, a constitutional convention represents a considerable expense for the state, requiring hundreds of delegates, each receiving a salary, which adds up to tens of millions of dollars; and

WHEREAS, a constitutional convention is far from the only means of addressing pressing concerns but is a uniquely high-stakes gamble with the bedrock of New York State’s promise to its residents and work force; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT stands in firm opposition to a constitutional convention and urges members to vote “no” when the question comes before them on the Nov. 7, 2017 ballot; and be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT should work with labor organizations and other like-minded groups and individuals to vigorously defeat the constitutional convention referendum; and be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT will launch an educational campaign in our chapters and work places about the threat that this constitutional convention presents; and be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT will urge chapter leaders and delegates to lead the fight to defeat the constitutional convention.