NEW YORK — Michael Mulgrew, the president of the United Federation of Teachers, is facing a significant challenge to his leadership as he seeks reelection in what promises to be a highly contested race. With nearly 200,000 members, the UFT is one of the largest teachers unions in the nation, and Mulgrew has been at its helm since 2009.
In the 2021 mayoral race, Mulgrew wielded significant influence by using a super PAC funded by the union to support the campaign of then-Comptroller Scott Stringer. However, his current reelection bid is proving to be more challenging, with growing discontent among union members potentially hindering his ability to mobilize support.
David Bloomfield, an education professor, emphasized that Mulgrew’s ability to deliver votes may be compromised by dissatisfaction among rank-and-file members. While the UFT’s endorsement could impact the upcoming Democratic primary for mayor, it is not a guarantee of success for any candidate.
The union is set to count the ballots for Mulgrew’s reelection at the end of May to the first week of June. The timing of the UFT’s endorsement in the June 24 mayoral primary will likely depend on the outcome of Mulgrew’s reelection bid.
The Democratic primary for mayor is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams facing challenges such as federal corruption charges and declining poll numbers. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to enter the race, alongside other serious contenders like Stringer, current Comptroller Brad Lander, and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
The support of influential unions, including the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the New York City District Council of Carpenters, and 1199 SEIU, could sway the outcome of the mayoral race. The UFT’s endorsement, which remains uncertain, could also be a deciding factor.
Mulgrew has faced criticism from retired teachers over his role in the city’s Medicare Advantage plan and working teachers unhappy with new curricula and pay raises. This discontent has also been directed towards Mayor Adams, further complicating the political landscape.
The Unity caucus, which Mulgrew leads, has dominated the union since the 1960s. However, opposition groups have gained traction in recent years, with Mulgrew winning reelection in 2022 by his narrowest margin yet. The dissatisfaction with his leadership was evident when dissident retired teachers ousted his caucus in a recent election.
Despite these challenges, Mulgrew has made efforts to address concerns by withdrawing support for Medicare Advantage and advocating for changes to educational policies. He is now seeking to increase pay for teacher aides supporting students with disabilities, bypassing collective bargaining in the process.
As the opposition movement gains momentum, Mulgrew’s future as the head of the UFT remains uncertain. The outcome of his reelection bid and the union’s endorsement in the mayoral race will have significant implications for New York City’s education and political landscape.
Olivia Swisher, a Brooklyn chapter leader, and Amy Arundell, a former borough official who was reassigned by the union after allegedly criticizing a resolution against Hamas’ attacks in Israel, are challenging Michael Mulgrew for leadership of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). This move is part of a larger trend of rank-and-file members seeking to unseat long-standing union officials. George Gresham, the leader of 1199SEIU, is also facing a significant challenge to his leadership.
Swisher believes that many long-time union leaders are out of touch with the actual working conditions of rank-and-file members. She sees a growing desire among union members to have leaders who truly understand their needs and concerns. However, Mulgrew remains a powerful figure within the union and has strong relationships with legislators who are aligned with the teachers union.
Mulgrew has a track record of securing important victories for union members, such as a class size-reduction mandate and pay raises in recent contracts. He has also advocated for improved pension benefits and recently pushed for a pay increase for paraprofessionals. Despite some frustrations among members, Mulgrew’s supporters point to these accomplishments as evidence of his effectiveness as a leader.
The decision to endorse a mayoral candidate is also a significant issue within the union. The UFT has not endorsed a successful mayoral candidate since 1989, and the process for selecting a candidate is closely watched by members. There is a perception among rank-and-file members that Mulgrew ultimately makes the final decision on endorsements, despite the formal voting process within the union.
The potential endorsement of a candidate like Andrew Cuomo, who has a controversial past with educators due to his education agenda and pension reforms, could create tension within the union. Mulgrew’s endorsement of Scott Stringer in the 2021 mayoral race also raised concerns among members, especially after Stringer faced allegations of sexual misconduct.
Several mayoral candidates, including Stringer, state Sens. Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, and Michael Blake, have expressed interest in seeking the UFT’s endorsement. The union’s endorsement is highly coveted due to its history of contributing significant funds to political campaigns.
As the election for UFT leadership approaches, the union is facing a period of uncertainty and potential change. The challenge from Swisher and Arundell represents a desire for new leadership and a shift in priorities within the union. The outcome of the election and the decision on mayoral endorsements will have significant implications for the future direction of the UFT and its relationship with city officials. A spokesperson for Cuomo also declined comment.
In a recent statement, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer voiced his support for the powerful union and respected labor leader, Michael Mulgrew. Stringer expressed his confidence in Mulgrew’s ability to continue leading the union effectively and highlighted the importance of having an experienced leader in addressing the educational challenges facing the city.
Stringer emphasized the significance of having a skilled and experienced leader at the helm to tackle the complex issues surrounding education in New York City. With the upcoming mayoral election, Stringer believes that the next mayor will need a leader like Mulgrew to navigate the challenges and make meaningful progress in the education sector.
The support and endorsement from Stringer underscore Mulgrew’s reputation as a dedicated and accomplished labor leader. As the city grapples with various educational challenges, having a strong and experienced leader like Mulgrew is seen as crucial in driving positive change and ensuring the best outcomes for students and educators alike.
In conclusion, Stringer’s endorsement of Mulgrew highlights the importance of experienced leadership in addressing the educational challenges facing New York City. As the city looks towards the future, having a respected and accomplished leader like Mulgrew will be essential in meeting the needs of the education system and driving progress in the city.
