Michael Mulgrew reelected as president of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City.
Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), successfully secured reelection on Saturday, inching past two rival candidates who sought to challenge his long-standing tenure, largely focusing on his management of retiree healthcare and a general discontent with established practices within the union. In the recent election, Mulgrew’s affiliated caucus, Unity, garnered approximately 54% of the votes, while the opposing factions, A Better Contract (ABC) and the Alliance of Retiree and In-Services Educators (ARISE), received 32% and 14%, respectively. This election witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 58,300 UFT members participating, marking the highest voter engagement in a teachers’ union election in recent times.
Mulgrew expressed gratitude to the numerous UFT members who displayed their confidence in the Unity caucus and its ongoing initiatives for the union. The UFT, a significant entity in New York City’s public-sector landscape, supports nearly 200,000 active and retired educators, paraprofessionals, and related members.
This victory represents Mulgrew’s sixth consecutive term as UFT president since assuming the role in 2009. However, the margin of his victories has been diminishing over time. In the previous election cycle in 2022, Unity captured around 66% of the votes, indicating a downward trend in support compared to this year’s results.
The recent election cycle was particularly vibrant, highlighted by a failed legal dispute brought by ABC concerning the voting process. During his campaigning, Mulgrew emphasized achievements such as the successful passage of the state’s 2022 class size law, criticized Mayor Eric Adams’ connection to the Trump administration, and advocated for increased compensation for paraprofessionals amidst ongoing staffing challenges.
The opposition coalition, ARISE, which included various progressive groups, aimed to leverage growing discontent over Mulgrew’s proposals to transition retirees to Medicare Advantage, a shift perceived by many as potentially detrimental to healthcare quality. Recognizing this discontent, Mulgrew has since revoked UFT’s endorsement of the plan, initially proposed to save the city millions annually.
ABC was led by Amy Arundell, a former Unity borough official who left the caucus amid controversies. Both opposition slates contended that the recent pay raises did not adequately address rising living costs, with criticism directed at the current administration for alleged lack of transparency and regard for grassroots concerns within union matters.
The current political climate within labor organizations, exemplified by recent high-profile leadership changes, has fueled a sense of anti-incumbency among members, reflected in a 15% increase in voter participation compared to the previous election cycle. The newly elected officers, including Mulgrew, will begin their three-year terms on July 1.
This recent election marks a pivotal moment for the UFT as it navigates internal challenges and external pressures in an evolving educational landscape.
