April brings more than spring showers this year. It signals the start of the countdown to the 43rd annual NYSUT Representative Assembly, May 1 – 2 in Buffalo.
With nearly 50 resolutions up for consideration, NYSUT's policymaking convention promises to be action packed — particularly since it takes place over two days, fewer than in past years.
NYSUT host locals are rolling out the welcome mat for the thousands of RA delegates who will arrive in the Queen City at the end of the month. Thanks to the Buffalo Teachers Federation, the Buffalo Educational Support Team, the Faculty Federation of Erie Community College, the Transportation Aides of Buffalo, Substitutes United/Buffalo and Retiree Councils 1, 2, 3 and 44 for their hospitality and hard work.
Friday rally for labor
To fight back against Gov. Cuomo's test-and-punish, anti-labor agenda, a rally is scheduled for noon Friday, May 1, at Niagara Square in Buffalo, a short walk from the RA site at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
NYSUT members, activists from the Western New York Area Labor Federation and other local supporters will send a clear message that we're standing up to the continual bashing of working people, especially public servants.
Speakers include Mario Cilento, New York State AFL-CIO president. NYSUT members not at the RA can keep up the pressure by sending letters to the governor and other lawmakers via NYSUT Member Action Center, mac.nysut.org.
Pre-conference, elections
The 2015 Pre-RA Local & Retiree Council Presidents Conference takes place Thursday and Friday, April 30 and May 1, at the Adam's Mark Hotel. The conference offers a host of valuable workshops and gives leaders the opportunity to speak with NYSUT officers.
RA delegates will elect state delegates to the National Education Association Board of Directors and state in-service delegates to the NEA RA on Friday. Elections for NEA retired delegates will take place via mail ballot. Please refer to the Notice of Nomination and Election and Campaign Procedures published on page 16 of the December/January issue of NYSUT United.
Keep up with all of the RA action at www. nysut.org/ra. Also follow #NYSUTRA2015 and #allkidsneed for updates from RA delegates.