Celebrating the historic vote, left to right: Robin Rapaport, NEA/NY president, NYSUT president Richard C. Iannuzzi and former NYSUT president Thomas Y. Hobart, Jr.
Dreams of statewide unity became reality Friday as delegates voted unanimously to unite New York State United Teachers with the National Education Association of New York, creating a single statewide voice for public education, health care and working families
"Unification means solidarity," NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi told cheering delegates."It's a long time in the making."
While the road to the historic vote may have been a long one, it took enthusiastic delegates just seconds to approve a single resolution introduced by Stacey Caruso-Sharpe, chairwoman of the union's Constitution and Bylaw Amendments Committee, and seconded by Michelle Bodden, vice co-chair of the committee with Rod Sherman.
As the strains of "United We Stand," by the Brotherhood of Man, filled the hall, Iannuzzi offered handshakes, hugs and high-fives to dignitaries joining him on the dais, including his predecessor, NYSUT President Emeritus Tom Hobart, a key architect of unification; and NEA/NY President Robin Rapaport, whom he called "a trusted ally, seeking what is best for both unions."
"At long last, we'll walk the walk together," Rapaport told delegates. He noted that the combined membership would reap the benefits of both organizations and stressed the importance of "the history we make."
Friday's vote represents the final step to bring more than 525,000 NYSUT members and 35,000 members of NEA/NY together as one union Sept. 1. NEA/NY delegates voted April 29 to approve the same unification measure at their annual Delegate Assembly.
The event had special meaning for Hobart, who initiated unification talks during his administration. The retired NYSUT president returned to share in the celebration at the RA. "I couldn't be more pleased at the way it came out," Hobart said. "They're prepared now to start with a bang and go to new heights."
He praised Iannuzzi and Rapaport for coming to terms on a measure that both organizations could support. Pauline Kinsella, NYSUT executive director, said she looks forward to working with staff from both unions to ensure "a smooth and successful transition."
In his State of the Union address to delegates Thursday, Iannuzzi said unification would give the new organization "the strength we need to meet the challenges we face."
See also: Unification photo gallery