ALBANY, N.Y. Sept. 11, 2017 — New York State United Teachers President Andrew Pallotta today issued the following statement in support of NYSUT members and others dealing with the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma:
“Like we did last month, when Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the state of Texas, NYSUT — through the generosity of its members across New York State — stands ready to help our sisters and brothers in Florida and other parts of the south as they take the first steps toward recovery from Irma’s destruction.
“This hits close to home: Nearly 16,000 NYSUT retirees live in Florida; many of them have remained actively engaged in their union, even in retirement. I want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we are working with our national affiliates — the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association — to provide assistance, however it’s needed.
“NYSUT members are known to be among the first to respond during times of crisis. I have every faith that they will do so again in solidarity with their union colleagues in Florida, and all educators, students and families dealing with Irma’s aftermath.”
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.