Unity Announces Major Victory in Court: UFT Health Plan Will Move Forward as Scheduled!

A small group of city employees, backed by groups with outside interests, filed a lawsuit to block the UFT’s historic healthcare plan and even requested an immediate Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). Yesterday, a state judge denied the request for the TRO. This ruling is a clear signal to all those involved that the case lacks merit.

This victory builds on the work of the Delegate Assembly earlier this year, which created a Healthcare Committee of rank-and-file members to negotiate meaningful improvements to our citywide health plan. The committee worked tirelessly, securing expanded coverage, strengthening mental health benefits, and securing five years of premium-free healthcare, instead of having to renegotiate pricing annually. The outstanding plan was overwhelmingly approved by the Delegate Assembly and later ratified by the Municipal Labor Committee.

The next hearing in the lawsuit will be heard December 1st, but today’s ruling is an important early victory for members and should serve as a warning to those who want to harm our members, that our union will not be intimidated by outside interference or attempts to disrupt our democratic processes. The fight to protect healthcare and members’ benefits continues, and when our caucus stands together, we win.