Why I’m Voting for UNITY

President Mulgrew and the UNITY Caucus have faced the toughest opponents —Trump, DeVos, Janus, Bloomberg—and time and again, they have triumphed.

Dennis Gault is UFT District 2 Representative and the coordinator for the Manhattan Political Action Committee

Why I’m Voting for UNITY: Safeguarding Our Jobs and Future

When I began teaching, Mayor Giuliani’s administration adopted a negative attitude toward educators. Then came Michael Bloomberg, whose time in office was marked by school closures, threats to job security, and a vigorous push to link teacher evaluations to test scores. One of the most demoralizing actions was his decision to publish our ratings in newspapers, subjecting us to public scrutiny and humiliation.

The Steadfast Leadership of UNITY and Michael Mulgrew

Throughout this journey, our union, under UFT President Michael Mulgrew's leadership, has stood firm. He effectively opposed Bloomberg’s mass firings, prevented the public disclosure of our ratings, and secured crucial arbitration victories that protected our jobs. That’s why I’m supporting UNITY—we need experienced leadership that advocates for our profession, our students, and our rights. UNITY doesn’t merely make promises; it delivers concrete results.

UNITY vs. Idealistic Visions

While other slates romanticize the idea of building a perfect socialist society, UNITY distinguishes itself by tackling real-world issues. Year after year, it improves the lives of union members and their families. One thing is clear: Marxist illusions don’t pay the rent.

Achievements of UNITY: A Track Record of Success

As a UFT district representative, special education teacher, and UNITY member, I have witnessed my caucus’s unwavering commitment to public education. Under its leadership, we have achieved significant economic advancements, including increased salaries, enhanced benefits, paid parental leave, annual bonuses, and historic contract victories.

Even in times of crisis, UNITY has protected us. During the 2008 recession, when millions lost their jobs, not a single UFT member was laid off. They continue to safeguard our pension and retirement funds, securing an unmatched 7.00% TDA interest rate—one of the strongest financial protections in the country.

President Mulgrew and the UNITY Caucus have faced the toughest opponents—Trump, DeVos, Janus, Bloomberg—and time and again, they have triumphed.

Standing Strong with UNITY: Our Best Defense in Challenging Times

This is not the time for doubt. The stakes are incredibly high. We cannot risk our future, our jobs, and the stability we’ve worked tirelessly to secure. That’s why I am enthusiastically voting for UNITY, and I encourage you to join me in this decision. Our profession depends on it.