Teachers rally outside UFT headquarters to demand answers on health care

Protesters say the UFT leadership has mentioned including health care in 2022 negotiations, potentially cutting back on or changing benefits, without consulting or even notifying members what the changes might be.

News 12 Staff

Oct 13, 2021, 10:14 PM

Updated 1,097 days ago

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Current and former teachers gathered outside the United Federation of Teachers headquarters in downtown Manhattan Friday to demand answers from both union leadership and the city. 
The group also headed inside the UFT Delegate Assembly with plans to raise a resolution about potential health care changes for city teachers. 
Protesters say the UFT leadership has mentioned including health care in 2022 negotiations, potentially cutting back on or changing benefits, without consulting or even notifying members what the changes might be. 
People say they’re afraid a move away from Medicare toward privatized health care would only help give union leaders more power, while members -- especially older ones with health issues -- would suddenly find it harder to get the care they need. 
The proposed resolution would make sure that any changes to health care would not be supported without a full debate with all the facts on the table and a vote from UFT membership.