UFT Chairman’s Controversial Staff Changes
Mike Mulgrew, the chairman of the City Teachers Union, has initiated what some are calling a “purge” at the UFT headquarters. This has reportedly involved the dismissal of staff deemed critical of him, according to insider sources.
Amy Arundell, a veteran of the Teacher Staff Federation who had recently contested Mulgrew for the presidency but lost, was among five union activists let go. She mentioned that she was informed of her removal from payroll on August 31, and shortly after, UFT disabled her union emails and phone access.
“This feels like a purging to me,” stated Arundell, 56, who has spent 34 years as a city teacher and contributor to the union. “Mulgrew is quite unpredictable.”
Initially, Arundell had hoped to mount a strong challenge against Mulgrew, but the unexpected layoffs of her colleagues left her taken aback.
Arundell criticized Mulgrew, saying, “He should be managing the union based on union values.” Notably, at a recent delegate council meeting, a card featuring her image was placed in a urinal, an act Arundell found particularly humiliating.
Additionally, Miguda Rodriguez, the vice-chairman of the Union Chapter who represents Paraprofessionals, also lost her paid position. She had previously campaigned for a higher role in Arundell’s contract slate but did not succeed.
Rodriguez accused Mulgrew’s faction of retaliating, asserting, “It’s unjust and retaliatory.” She mentioned that her combined salaries from the Department of Education and the union, which totaled $80,000, are now likely to be halved due to her termination.
Under the agreements in place, educators can contribute to the union while on leave from their school roles. Following their dismissals, Arundell, Rodriguez, and others are now reassigned back to their respective schools.
The Union Group Amendment Parapay denounced Rodriguez’s dismissal, claiming she was let go not for misconduct but for her determined advocacy for Paraprofessionals and standing firm against unfair practices.
“She is part of ‘UFT 5,’ a group prioritizing principles over party lines. This action is not just rude to Migda; it also undermines the foundation of democratic unions,” the group stated.
Meanwhile, Ashley Rzonka, a representative for Union District 30 in Queens, confirmed her own dismissal. She had previously raised concerns about bullying and harassment from a colleague at the UFT office in Queens.
While Rzonka indicated she was not opposed to Mulgrew’s reelection, she expressed worry that some of the 42 school union branch leaders she oversaw had issues with his leadership. She clarified that her work performance had not faced any significant scrutiny.
In response to inquiries, Mulgrew declined to comment specifically on the terminations. A representative stated, “We do not discuss individual personnel decisions. We will review the circumstances surrounding individuals on leave for union work during our annual organizational assessment.” They noted that “leave time for union work has not been updated, and staff are thanked for their services as they transition back to their regular school duties.”
