North Babylon Teachers Support Revive

The North Babylon Teachers’ Organization is a small to medium-size suburban local located in southwestern Long Island.  It was established in 1951 and boast a prestigious list of members including the late Ed Rogers, the first NYSUT secretary-treasurer and a number of At-Large and ED directors and two members who have participated in NYSUT’s leadership training program. The organization represents not only teachers, but also substitutes, paraprofessionals, cafeteria aides, office personnel and a full complement of retirees.

In representing a varied group pf people we took all units needs into consideration. The Executive Officers and delegates have spent the past month reviewing the platform statements, attending the March 5 forum and speaking to our own members about what they view as the future of our organization. While some delegates believe that this might not be time to make any significant changes in NYSUT leadership; others believe that it is time for us to change the direction of the organization. Members and delegates are extremely concerned about the fact that NYSUT dues has increased steadily over the past few years, with a $12FTE increase for this upcoming year. The reasons given for the increases have been a loss in membership and rising cost. We as an organization have lost almost 75 members over the past five years and because of the lack of a contract and other economic factors we have been unable to raise our dues.  Delegates believe that the current NYSUT officers have not been responsive to the concerns of the rank-and-file members as far as containing cost and explaining to members where our dues have been going.

Delegates and members have also been concerned about the “tone” the campaigns have taken. We have read many of the statements of support submitted for both sides. The negativity expressed by some Stronger Together supporters towards some other locals has made us wary. We are an organization with many sized locals and many various job titles. It is disheartening to have one local disparage another. Especially when the statements are not rebutted by the campaign they are given in support of.

We all agree that Governor Cuomo needs to go, but at what cost?  The current declared challenger, Astorino, has already made it known that he is anti-union and will work against us. Yes, the organization purchased a table to a Cuomo fundraiser, just as it has in the past.  Why suddenly is this the line in the sand for so many?  While we blame (rightfully so) Governor Cuomo for APPR, Common Core, tax cap and tier XI, we cannot hold those officers who were in the room, at the table, negotiating these deals harmless.

While some believe the experience of the Stronger NYSUT slate is what is needed in the organization and that the Revive NYSUT  slate does not have that same level of experience; it was also believed that Revive NYSUT slate has enough experience, with the support of the NYSUT staff, to come in and make changes that are needed. To quote some delegates: 

               “The current board has a sense of entitlement that seems to have impacted their relationship with opposition in and the knowledge of the needs of classroom teachers.”

 “We feel there is a need for change. We want leadership that will listen to the membership; that will fight for our districts. We want Long Island to get their fair share and to be heard”

After weighing the pros and cons, studying and doing research, at our March 24 Executive Board meeting it was voted that the North Babylon Teachers’ Organization will cast its’ vote in support the Revive NYSUT slate.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Selina Durio

President