NYSUT delegates approved three constitutional amendments, including a measure that will increase dues.
Beginning in September, most full-dues-paying members will contribute $1 more per month, or $12 annually. To lessen the impact, minimum annual earnings for full dues payers will increase from $30,000 to $32,000; dues categories for lower earners will expand proportionately.
"Although we have made cost savings a way of life at NYSUT, these steps are not enough to allow us to remain a force to be reckoned with in the battles we fight on your behalf," said Secretary-Treasurer Lee Cutler. The union continues to stand against the onslaught on members' rights and collective bargaining.
To reverse these trends, NYSUT must intensify its efforts to shape public opinion, regulations and legislation. That kind of activism requires a union that's collectively active and financially strong.
"Things will get better — what we are doing now will build a foundation for success," Cutler said.
Also as part of the union's cost-savings plan, delegates approved an amendment reducing the number of NYSUT officers from five to four. Effective no later than the conclusion of the 2017 NYSUT RA, the statewide officers will be president, executive vice president, vice president and secretary-treasurer.
The third constitutional amendment allows the NYSUT Board of Directors to conduct any of its four annual meetings (as well as special meetings) electronically, based on a two-thirds vote by Board members.