In recent months, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the new contract for UFT teachers in New York City. A contract that has been long overdue, and could represent a significant increase in salaries for the city`s teachers.
The UFT, or United Federation of Teachers, is the largest union of teachers in the United States, representing approximately 200,000 teachers in New York City. The new contract negotiations began in 2018 and have finally reached a resolution in the summer of 2021.
The new contract includes a retrospective pay increase of 3% for the period from 2019 to 2020, and a 2.5% increase for 2020 to 2021. In addition, there will be a 3% increase for the upcoming school year of 2021 to 2022.
This means that the average starting salary for a New York City teacher will be around $61,000 per year, with experienced teachers earning up to $128,000. This pay increase is a significant achievement for the UFT, which has been fighting for better pay and benefits for its members.
The new contract also includes some other benefits for UFT teachers. For example, it includes a reduction in the workload for teachers who have been teaching for more than 22 years. There will also be a reduction in class sizes, which will allow teachers to provide more personalized attention to their students.
The UFT has been dedicated to improving the working conditions for teachers in New York City, and this new contract is a major victory for the union and its members. While the pay increase is significant, it is important to note that teaching is still an incredibly challenging profession, requiring passion, dedication, and skill.
In conclusion, the new contract for UFT teachers in New York City represents a significant increase in salaries, as well as some important benefits for teachers. It is a major victory for the union and its members, and a step in the right direction for improving the working conditions for teachers in the city. As the new school year begins, it is essential to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of teachers and to support them in their important work.