UFT Files Motion Supporting $10,000 Bonus for Paraprofessionals Amid Legal Dispute with Mayor Mamdani

The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) has shifted from endorsing Mayor Zohran Mamdani to opposing him in court. The union has filed a legal motion supporting a City Council-approved $10,000 bonus for school paraprofessionals, which the mayor’s administration is attempting to block. Mamdani, who received UFT's endorsement during his election campaign last year, argues that the approval process for the additional funds violates state labor law regarding contract negotiations with public employee unions. UFT President Mike Mulgrew emphasizes that improving pay for paraprofessionals, who assist students with disabilities, is a priority. The UFT's lawyer, Charles Moerdler, stated in the August 25 filing, "As the representative of the paraprofessionals, the UFT should be permitted to defend the interests of its members in this important legal proceeding." Starting salaries for paraprofessionals are $33,000, increasing to $56,000 after 15 years. The proposed pay increase for 10,000 paraprofessionals would cost the city $324 million. Mamdani asserts that while he supports a salary increase for paraprofessionals, it should be negotiated through collective bargaining rather than dictated by the City Council. The RESPECT Check Act, which passed the Council unanimously, became law without the mayor's signature. Mamdani's administration filed a lawsuit in Manhattan state Supreme Court last week, claiming the law is invalid. This action marks a significant change from Mamdani's campaign promises, where he pledged to support pay increases for paraprofessionals. The lawsuit contends that the new bonus legislation disregards established collective bargaining processes under the Taylor Law, which mandates good faith negotiations on compensation. Council Speaker Julie Menin defended the law, stating that it is unacceptable for paraprofessionals to earn as little as $32,000 a year. Menin, along with Councilwoman Carma De La Rosa, expressed support for the RESPECT Check Act, highlighting the need for fair compensation for essential workers. A spokesperson for Mamdani, Matt Rauschenbach, reiterated the city's commitment to protecting the collective bargaining process, stating that the lawsuit aims to maintain negotiations at the bargaining table rather than through political means.