Mayor Adams, OLR Commissioner Campion Applaud UFT's Ratification of Contract, Providing Raises to City's Educators and School Staff, First-of-its-Kind Virtual Learning Program

July 10, 2023

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today applauded the United Federation of Teachers’ (UFT) vote to ratify its contract with the city last night. The agreement announced last month — retroactive to September 14, 2022 and expiring on November 28, 2027 — provides for wage increases between 3.00 percent and 3.50 percent, a $3,000 ratification bonus, and annual retention payments. Additionally, it creates a first-of-its-kind voluntary virtual learning program to give students access to a broader set of course offerings and provides needed flexibility to those with nontraditional schedules.

“Our teachers and school staff work day in and day out to provide a brighter future for our children, and we are proud today that they have voted to ratify this contract,” said Mayor Adams. “It gives them much-needed wage increases, as well as a new retention bonus that will help ensure we are holding on to our valuable educators. Further, with the creation of a virtual learning program that will create new academic opportunities for our students, this contract helps set our young scholars — including those with nontraditional schedules — up for success. I thank UFT President Michael Mulgrew and all the members of the UFT, as well as our OLR Commissioner Renee Campion and Chancellor David Banks, for their work on behalf of our city.”

“We are extremely pleased that the membership of the UFT has voted to ratify this significant contract,” said OLR Commissioner Campion. “This agreement is fair to UFT members and to taxpayers, providing important benefits to our school staff and students. Thank you to Michael Mulgrew and Chancellor Banks for their partnership in negotiating this contract.”

“Teaching in New York City represents one of the most important and rewarding challenges one can undertake, a fact acknowledged by this contract,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “Apart from guaranteeing fair compensation for our educators, this contract also commits to the modernization of the teaching profession to cater to the continuously changing needs of our students. It does so by enabling a greater number of students and staff to engage in high-quality, adaptable, virtual learning opportunities. This advancement would not have been achievable without the collaboration of the UFT, and I eagerly anticipate our continued teamwork as we propel our public schools into the future.” 

UFT members will receive the following compounded wage increases:

• September 14, 2022: 3.00%
• January 18, 2024: 3.00%
• January 18, 2025: 3.00%
• September 14, 2025: 3.25%
• September 14, 2026: 3.50%

In addition to wage increases planned over the next five-plus years, the tentative agreement includes:

• Annual Retention Payments: UFT members will receive a retention payment of $400 in May 2024, $700 in May 2025, and $1,000 in May 2026 and every May thereafter.
• Virtual Learning Program: The New York City Department of Education will offer an expansive voluntary virtual learning program to all high school students and some middle school students. This program will allow for flexible class scheduling, like weeknights and weekends, and the opportunity for educators to teach virtually.

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