The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), New York City’s largest teachers union, is opposing Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s actions to halt a city-backed salary increase for education paraprofessionals. This comes after the union endorsed him last year.
Recently, the New York City Council passed the “RESPECT Check Act,” offering up to a $10,000 bonus to education paraprofessionals. Although Mamdani initially supported a similar version, he now contests the bill, claiming it breaches New York state’s Taylor Law. This law protects public employees’ rights to negotiate compensation matters. On August 19, his administration initiated legal action to prevent the law’s implementation.
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The UFT responded by filing a motion to intervene, expressing willingness to pursue the matter in court if Mamdani persists. UFT President Michael Mulgrew stated, “We anticipated this lawsuit and prepared for it. The RESPECT check law, passed unanimously on July 16, was crafted to comply with the state’s Taylor Law.” He added that both City Council and the union would not back any law compromising collective bargaining rights. The union views this as a chance for Mamdani to fulfill commitments for fairness and progress.
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Attempts to reach Mamdani’s office for comment were initially unsuccessful. The UFT’s legal motion followed the mayor’s lawsuit. City Council Speaker Julie Menin and council member Carmen De La Rosa, in a joint statement, defended the RESPECT Check Act as both morally and fiscally responsible. They noted paraprofessionals earn as low as $32,000 annually, and the law addresses staffing shortages costing the city $1.5 billion in Carter case costs. The Council intends to defend the legislation vigorously.
Despite the legal challenges, Mamdani commented in a recent news briefing that discussions with both Menin and the UFT have been constructive. He reiterated that he does not oppose salary increases for paraprofessionals, recognizing their significant role in the public school system.
Lindsay Kornick, an associate editor for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. Story tips can be sent to her at [email protected].
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