By Rich Bockmann
The city and the United Federation of Teachers announced a handshake deal this week on a nine-year, $5.5 billion contract that includes raises, additional time for professional development, more input for parents and more than $1 billion in health-care cost savings.
The deal marks the first new contract for the UFT since 2009, and both sides from the negotiation hailed it during a news conference as the cooling of long-heated tensions between City Hall and the union.
“Our administration knows that every child matters, the status quo isn’t working, and we must improve public education across the board,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “Working together with our dedicated teachers—instead of being locked in rancorous debate—we have found common ground today that moves us closer to those critical objectives.”
The agreement still needs to be ratified by the union’s members.
UFT President Michael Mulgrew said that through the deal de Blasio made good on his campaign promise to foster a more cooperative environment.
“This agreement—which works for students, parents, teachers and the city—is proof that with leadership like his, we can do it,” he said.
Under the terms of the proposed contract teachers will receive an 18-percent bump in wages — including retroactive pay — phased in through 2020.
Teachers will also have more time for professional development and will set aside 40 minutes every Tuesday to meet with parents or reach out through email, telephone or letter.
The union has also agreed to trim about $1.3 billion from its health-care costs.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
