Think about some of the gains from the SCTA, NYSUT and our national affiliates, AFT and NEA, have won for you over the years. The many benefits, protections and rights you enjoy weren’t gifts from a benevolent employer or a kindly government. Your union and the union members who went before you fought hard for them. These benefits can disappear quickly if your union’s ability to effectively represent you is destroyed. Many of the following are rights and benefits you have now … and don’t want to lose.
Right to collectively bargain terms and conditions of employment
Defined workday and work year
A strong DEFINED BENEFIT pension system
Salary schedules providing automatic annual wage increases
Employer-provided health, dental and vision plans
Paid vacations, holidays, sick/family sick leave, bereavement leave and personal leave
Post-retirement health insurance
Defense of tenure and other due process rights
Right to representation in all disciplinary proceedings
Seniority protections against arbitrary layoffs and involuntary transfers
Stipends for extracurricular activities and other work beyond the contractual work day
Health and safety provisions
Anti-discrimination protections
Grievance and arbitration procedures to protect against violation of contractual rights
Protection against diminishment of pension benefits
Right to examine and reproduce materials in your personnel file
Voluntary overtime, overtime pay and shift premiums for hourly employees
Paid professional development
Terminal leave payments and retirement incentives
Sick bank rights
Welfare funds
Fighting for adequate and equitable funding for public schools, higher ed and health care
Fighting for a fair evaluation system
These are just SOME of the things your union has done for you. Every one of these rights and benefits – and many others – could be taken away if your union is weakened or destroyed.
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) is more than 600,000 people who work in, or are retired from, New York's schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities. They are classroom teachers, college and university faculty and professional staff, school bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, teacher assistants and aides, nurses and healthcare technicians.
NYSUT is a federation of more than 1,200 local unions, each representing its own members. They are affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA). They are also part of organized labor - the AFL-CIO - and of Education International, with more than 20 million members world wide.
They range in size from tiny locals of fewer than 10 members to the United Federation of Teachers, which represents more than 140,000 teachers and other school employees in New York City.
They are dedicated to improving not only our working conditions, but also our professions. We're united in a common commitment to improve the quality of education and healthcare for the people of New York.
NYSUT is a grassroots organization. We elect the people who lead our local unions and or state and national affiliates. We elect delegates to a state convention - the Representative Assembly - who discuss issues and set policy that determines the programs and services that NYSUT provides us.
Our NYSUT officers, elected by the Representative Assembly, oversee a professional staff that carries out the union's business. The convention delegates also elect a Board Of Directors, which determines policy between conventions.
To learn more about NYSUT and the benefits that they offer to members or to find the contact information for their offices, visit https://www.nysut.org.
NYSUT® is a federally registered service mark of the New York State United Teachers.
Below is the list of the SCTA officers and the names of the members currently serving in these leadership positions. A description of the duties and responsibilities for these positions can be found in the SCTA Constitution.
President - Jim Duffy
1st Vice President - Kelli Budney
2nd Vice President - Caielin White
Treasurer - MaryAnn Reilly-Johnson
Secretary - Jessica Maguire
Below is a list of the SCTA committees and programs that meet regularly and the names of the members currently serving as their chairpersons. A description of the duties and responsibilities for these committees and positions as well as others can be found in the SCTA Constitution.
Grievance Committee Chairperson - John Ryan
Mentor Program Coordinators - Michael Lubbers & Darcie Jaskot
Elementary Committee Chairperson(s) - Kelli Budney & Caielin White
Professional Development Committee Chairperson - Christina Reeves
Negotiations Committee Chairperson(s) - John Ryan
Member Benefits Committee Chairperson - Michael Lubbers
Vibrations Editor -
Building Representatives - Various members in each building
Executive Board - Comprised of the SCTA officers and building representatives
The union's job is to protect members’ rights and to improve members’ terms and conditions of employment. This starts with your building representative. They are the eyes and ears of the SCTA . You should go to your building representatives for guidance, advice, and consultation. Find comfort and support knowing that when you speak with your building representatives it is a confidential conversation that stays between you and them. As a new member of the SCTA, make sure you know who your building representatives are. Ask a fellow teacher to introduce you if your building representatives haven't already reached out to you.
Remember to follow the chain of command within the union as well. If you have a problem reach out to your building representatives first. They will then go to the President or grievance chairperson and then to the NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist (LRS) if need be.
All SCTA members are encouraged to be involved in the union, from attending building, executive board and informational meetings to voting or taking on an active role as an officer, coordinator, or serving on a committee. There are a variety of roles and responsibilities both big and small. Speak with your building representative or the Member Benefits Committee to find out which is right for you. Your thoughts, suggestions, and participation are valued and encouraged to foster new growth and development of the union.
All information about NYSUT on this website has been approved and provided by NYSUT. Additional information is available at https://www.nysut.org.