NEW YORK (PIX 11) -- New York City Department of Education paraprofessionals gathered outside City Hall Wednesday, joined by the United Federation of Teachers and elected officials, rallying for what they believe is a long-overdue pay increase.
Demonstrators are backing a new bill in the New York City Council that would grant paraprofessionals an additional $10,000 each year.
The check would exist outside of contract bargaining. It’s what money advocates say is crucial to support staff in these roles.
“We’re saying enough is enough because we can’t fill the positions,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “That means every day over 1,500 children are coming to school without a paraprofessional, which means we’re out of compliance with the federal government.”
Hundreds of people came out, holding signs and chanting, demanding fair wages for paraprofessionals and urging the city council to pass the legislation.
“The paraprofessionals are there in our schools, particularly helping with special needs students, so they perform such an important role.” Councilmember Julie Menin said.
She added, “Right now, the starting salary is $31,000, which is just not enough for a city like New York City, with the cost of living being so high here.”
Paraprofessionals feel their low wages are forcing them to make an impossible choice — stay in the jobs they love or leave to better support their own families. TreVaughn Taylor is a paraprofessional at a school in Queens.
“The money that we’re making does not reflect on the bills that we have,” Taylor said.
He added, “We don’t make enough, and we pour out entirely too much. Sometimes we have to take our work home. So, we’re pouring out. We’re giving everything just to get barely half back.”
Mulgrew said the low wages have made it hard to recruit and retain staff who make a difference in students' lives every day. The UFT launched a television, digital, and streaming ad campaign to amplify their message, urging lawmakers to take immediate action.
The bill has been introduced in the New York City Council and is currently awaiting review in committee.
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