The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), the largest teachers union in New York City, is opposing Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s efforts to prevent a city-supported pay raise for education paraprofessionals. The union had previously endorsed Mamdani but is now preparing to take legal action.
Last month, the New York City Council passed the “RESPECT Check Act.” This act aims to provide education paraprofessionals with bonuses up to $10,000. Although Mayor Mamdani supported a version of this bill earlier, he now argues it breaches New York state’s Taylor Law. This law safeguards public employees’ rights regarding compensation negotiations. In response, his administration filed a lawsuit to halt the law’s implementation scheduled for August 19.
“We knew this lawsuit was a possibility, and we were prepared,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “The RESPECT check law, unanimously passed by City Council, was crafted to ensure it complied with the state’s Taylor Law.”
Mulgrew emphasized that the City Council took care to introduce and approve a bill consistent with legal standards. He urged Mayor Mamdani to fulfill his commitments and lead the city towards fairness.
Fox News contacted Mamdani’s office for comments, but no response was received immediately. Meanwhile, the UFT filed a motion to intervene, showing readiness to proceed to court if necessary. The UFT action aims to defend the pay raise, emphasizing the Council’s unanimous support for the law.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa defended the legislation in a joint statement. They highlighted the bipartisan endorsement and pointed out the low earnings of paraprofessionals, which can be as modest as $32,000 annually. The Council views the act as fiscally responsible, addressing staffing shortages linked to the city’s significant Carter case costs.
Mamdani acknowledged “productive” discussions with Menin and the UFT, reiterating his recognition of paraprofessionals’ essential contributions. Despite the lawsuit, the mayor remains engaged in dialogue to resolve the matter constructively.