Breaking News: Opposition team wins 2 seats in Unity-dominated UFT Paraprofessional Chapter election

Are there cracks in the Unity caucus monopoly over UFT leadership? Unprecedented opposition wins may indicate so.

In what can only be described as an unprecedented development in the special election for the UFT paraprofessional chapter, two members of an unnamed opposition team, that was not allowed to run as a joint slate, won 2 chapter positions in their most recent election that culminated on May 24th. Ballots were counted on May 25th.

The UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter held a special election for chapter leader, first vice chairperson, second vice chairperson, secretary and two at-large Executive Board positions. All balloting was conducted by the independent American Arbitration Association (AAA).

Opposition won the second chair seat with Migda Rodriguez. They also won an At-Large seat with Deborah Harris.

There are reports of possible irregularities while requests by the opposition team for election tallies, official or unofficial, have been ignored.

The treasurer seat went uncontested as the opposition team lost two candidates prior to the election with what is being described by some as possible interference from Unity caucus leadership.

Opposition was not invited to the sit on the election committee that provided oversight of this election.

This is the opposition team that ran:

Here is the UFT email declaring the winners who will hold their seats until June 30, 2024:

More details are emerging in this story and are forthcoming.