Pannysylvania Magazine

Photo Courtesy: Federation of Catholic Teachers

New York, NY – June 23, 2025 – The Federation of Catholic Teachers (FCT) is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement: the successful negotiation of the first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for approximately 800 Teachers’ Aides and Assistants across elementary schools in the Archdiocese of New York. This historic contract ensures critical improvements in wages, job security, benefits, and leave for a vital group of school employees who assist in supporting students and educators on a daily basis.

The new contract will provide significant gains for the teachers’ aides and assistants, strengthening their role within the school community. With this agreement, FCT continues to underscore its commitment to fair labor practices and worker protection for all employees within the education sector.

Key Contract Highlights

• Job Security & Grievance Rights

The agreement introduces a formal grievance process to address cases of unjust discipline or contract violations. In addition, annual employment agreements will replace the previous informal letters of intent. The contract ensures job protection for employees affected by school downsizing or closures through a structured rehiring process and establishes clear protocols for performance evaluation and improvement.

• Workplace Protections & Fair Pay

Teachers’ aides and assistants will now enjoy guaranteed, duty-free lunch breaks, along with compensation for attending school functions outside of their regular work hours. The contract also ensures fair pay when aides are required to cover lead teacher responsibilities or substitute in other classrooms.

• Paid & Protected Leave

The new contract guarantees paid sick leave, along with paid leave for child-related illness, occupational injuries, and bereavement. Job-protected leave will also be available for maternity, adoption, and family medical emergencies.

• Access to Benefits

Aides and assistants working 30 or more hours per week will have access to health insurance. Additionally, they will be able to participate in the Archdiocese’s 403(b) retirement plan and pension plan. Employees will also benefit from up to $500 per year in tuition assistance for their children attending ACS schools.

• Compensation Increases & Bonuses

A 2% wage increase, effective September 1, 2025, will result in an estimated $400+ annual raise for many aides and assistants. Additionally, a one-time ratification bonus of $200 will be provided for full-time employees, and $100 for part-time employees.

Total Estimated Value: The contract will add over $5 million in new salary and benefits over its term.

A Historic Milestone in Representation

This contract is the first time that teachers’ aides and assistants in the Archdiocese have secured formal labor protections and benefits on such a large scale. These gains were achieved without the collection of dues, highlighting the Federation’s unwavering commitment to these essential school employees. A ratification vote will take place in the coming weeks and will be administered by an independent election agency. Voting instructions will be provided by mail, email, and text.

“This contract brings long-overdue recognition and protections to the teachers’ aides and assistants who play a vital role in our schools,” said Teresa Clarke, Vice President of the FCT.

About the Federation of Catholic Teachers (FCT):

The Federation of Catholic Teachers (FCT) represents educators, aides, and assistants across schools in the Archdiocese of New York. FCT advocates for fair labor practices, quality education, and workplace protections for all education professionals. Through collective bargaining, the FCT continues to ensure that members are supported and protected in their roles within the educational system.

Media Contact
Company Name: Federation of Catholic Teachers
Contact Person: Leanne Cole, President of the FCT
Email: Send Email
Phone: (718) 370-0081
Country: United States
Website: http://fct153.org