When a safety issue recently arose at our school, the union responded immediately.
Our school has been undergoing a major renovation since 2017, including complete roof and brick replacement. This past February, teachers in a classroom with very little ventilation became concerned about a strong odor. We moved the children out of the classroom, and the principal urged me to call the UFT to come and evaluate the situation. The construction company assured us it wasn’t a hazard to the children or teachers, but we wanted to be sure. We didn’t want to take the word of the construction company that it was safe.
The union safety coordinator for our borough made the phone calls to the School Construction Authority project manager. She told us she didn’t want any children returning to that classroom until we knew what was going on. By 3 p.m. that same day, the construction team was in the school with the School Construction Authority project manager. They discovered the odor was emanating from one of the sub-basements, where window guards were being painted. The next day, our union safety coordinator came to make sure the room was properly ventilated and safe for the children and members to return.
The union moved so very quickly — they went right to the top to get answers — and kept the children out of the classroom for an additional day to make sure the odor was gone. Union safety reps came and toured the room to make sure the problem was remedied.
It’s so comforting to know that you can get answers when you have a union. We didn’t have to take the word of the construction company on faith. With the union, you remove the doubt and it reassures you. It gives everyone, both parents and teachers, peace of mind. It’s worth every dollar of your dues to have that peace of mind.
Dawn DePalma is a teacher and chapter leader at PS 1 in Tottenville, Staten Island.
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