In his annual address to the NYSUT Representative Assembly, Secretary-Treasurer Ivan Tiger announced that the union has gained more than 100,000 new members over the past five years and continues to remain financially strong.
Tiger received cheers from the delegates when he announced that NYSUT's membership has grown to 535,000, compared to 430,000 in 2001. These figures do not include the new members NYSUT will receive as a result of unification with NEA/NY, which becomes effective in September, 2007.
"This unprecedented growth was achieved through the hard work and dedication of the staff in our organizing department as well as our folks in the regional offices," the NYSUT secretary-treasurer said.
NYSUT remains financially strong, Tiger said. He told delegates that NYSUT brought in expenses under budget in 2005, by "paying attention to all the details - large and small - in our spending practices."
Tiger reported that NYSUT has achieved significant savings through measures instituted after a thorough review of its operating expenses that was launched two years ago. NYSUT has used tools such as video conferencing to save money on meeting costs and achieved reductions in other expeneses as well, he noted.
He reported on a number of services offered to members, including NYSUT Social Services, which was created six years ago to help members deal with difficult personal matters, including elder care challenges. Social Services fielded 1,100 calls for assistance in 2005, Tiger reported.