New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani files lawsuit to block city-backed pay raise for education paraprofessionals.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani filed a lawsuit to halt a city-backed pay raise for education paraprofessionals. The move comes despite the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) having previously endorsed Mamdani for mayor. The UFT and the New York City Council have both defended the 'RESPECT Check Act,' which offers a bonus of up to $10,000 for paraprofessionals. While Mamdani argued that the law violates the state's Taylor Law, which protects collective bargaining rights, the UFT maintains that the bill was carefully drafted to avoid such violations. UFT President Michael Mulgrew stated that the administration must keep its promises and create a fairer system. The New York City Council has also defended the law as a fiscally responsible measure to address staffing shortages. Despite the lawsuit, Mamdani stated that discussions with the city council and the UFT have been productive, noting a shared understanding of the other parties' goals.