Why Vote for Unity?

Thomas Ayovainen is the citywide functional UFT Chapter Leader for Occupational and Physical Therapists

Thomas Ayovainen is the citywide functional UFT Chapter Leader for Occupational and Physical Therapists.

I joined the Unity Caucus in 2015, before becoming the OTPT Chapter Leader in 2018. Since then, Unity has been a steadfast ally, standing by us through some of the most challenging moments in our history. While some dismiss or ignore the improvements we’ve made the facts speak for themselves. More work remains, but I trust Unity will continue to fight for us.

Opposition voices want to obscure their own history while failing to offer a clear strategy for the future. ABC’s flyer highlights only their Chapter Leader candidate, ignoring their full slate. Paul Egan, running on ABC’s slate, is one step away from Union presidency. Before supporting him, I urge you to research his past and ask yourself: is this the leadership we need? Meanwhile, ABC and ARISE have failed to present a real plan—they simply tell members what they want to hear.

Throughout my tenure as Chapter Leader, Unity Caucus and the Union have helped us navigate critical moments, from the Bloomberg administration’s refusal to negotiate fairly to the COVID-19 pandemic. We fought for and secured retro pay, a 29% salary increase, an operational process addressing space and paperwork, and strong contract agreements. In 2023, 89% of OTPT chapter members voted in favor of our contract, recognizing the financial impact of not ratifying. No one was pressured - the chapter made its own choice.

In the 2018 negotiations, we successfully established a labor-management committee to address key concerns, securing improvements in course approval, FMLA benefits, and overtime opportunities. When the COVID-19 pandemic upended our work, Unity acted swiftly – holding daily meetings to assess challenges, negotiating a modified schedule, and ensuring that vacation days were granted for days worked during the pandemic spring break. Post-COVID, remote PD options were secured, recognizing the shift in professional learning.

None of these wins were handed to us—they were hard-earned through Unity’s leadership and union advocacy. Recent victories include TRS eligibility for UFT members previously in BERS and NYSUT support for recognizing OTPTs as Pupil Personnel Services, efforts made possible with Unity’s backing.

The Unity Caucus provides honest leadership and guidance, standing by our side when it matters most. Are there challenges ahead? Yes. But Unity listens, responds, and does the work. I believe they will continue fighting for our rights, securing improvements, and standing by us through every challenge.

That’s why I’m voting for Unity—and you should too.