New York, N.Y. -- Rocky Chin, City Council Candidate in District 1, today joined members of the United Federation of Teachers rallying before City Hall to demand a new contract. The deadline for setting new terms expires today. Echoing the UFT’s cry, “No Contract = No Respect,” Rocky joined the Union in demanding that Mayor Giuliani sign a contract promising higher pay.
“Today’s education crisis stems from the mayor’s refusal to provide better wages to our city’s teachers. Their years of dedicated academic work, patience, and genuine care warrants equitable compensation. This administration must back its tough talk about reforming education by taking the first step toward retaining and recruiting qualified teachers. Without them, abstract policy recommendations about teaching the “new” math, cognitive reading, and mandatory testing are pointless.”
As a firm advocate of public education, Rocky has dedicated his time and effort to strengthening the city’s school system. Most recently, Rocky helped manage the campaigns of two current members of Community School Board Two – Sau Ngar Li and Danny Yip. Rocky’s wife, May Ying Chen, is a former schoolteacher and both of their children are products of the New York City public school system.
“Already, our city faces an impending crisis. We need 4,000 qualified schoolteachers to fill vacancies throughout the city by September. What message are we sending to aspiring teachers by telling them their chosen path, a most noble profession indeed, is not comparable to a higher-paying, private sector job? What message are we sending career educators by refusing to reward them just compensation for their years of dedicated service? I believe the teachers deserve better, and that is why I am running for City Council.”
